Basketball is fun to play and watch, but to play the game expertly takes practice. However, you can’t practice what you don’t know how to do. This text helps you get the shot in every time.
Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. First, hold the ball just above your nose, about 8 inches from your face. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.
Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.
Errant Passes
Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. Learning how to catch these errant passes will put you at an advantage.
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.
Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Strong footwork is key.
If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.
Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Keep an eye open for easy shots.
Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Keep your palm off the ball, too. When you’re shooting or passing, the only place the ball should touch your hand is on your fingers.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. If you know their game, you can defend against it. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.
Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.
Dribble with force to prevent the ball from being stolen. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.
A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.
In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot. Do not focus on the target until you are already in the air. This is a good way to simulate real game-time conditions and increase accuracy.
Avoid dribbling above your knees. The other team’s players will have a difficult time stealing the basketball from you. Practice moving quickly while dribbling below knee level.
You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand. Keep it slightly up when you dribble with your opposite hand.
Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. A consistent pace for your dribble will lull your opponent, and help you move more quickly than they do when the time comes. The speed is important, but it works in tandem with the sound to disorient the player who is guarding you.
Always know the angles the ball is likely to take if it misses a goal. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.
It doesn’t matter how often you play basketball, the tips in this article will better your game every time you play. Focus on one area at a time and enjoy the steady success. You can play much better basketball by using the tips provided.