The sport of basketball is extremely popular. You can see kids and adults playing at playgrounds, the gym or in their very own driveway. Most players are in it to win it. While you can’t win them all, you sure can bring your game to the next level.
When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. Bring the ball no matter where you go. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.
Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. One good rule is for you to bounce the basketball most of the way toward the other player. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.
Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You’ll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.
If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. 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.
In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.
Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.
As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.
Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride. You will find that it becomes easier to score and make layups.
When you are defending, keep your stance low. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something. Remain in a good defensive stance always. If you need to leave your feet in order to prevent your opponent from shooting the ball, quickly get back into that good defensive position.
Use a 2-3 zone as a way to trap opponents. You can do this by having guards wait for the point guard to come at least 10 feet past midcourt. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. Your forwards should then go cover the wing players. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.
If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. The International standard line, as well as college and high school lines are all closer. If you’re able to get the shot from where the NBA shoots, then you can start working from a range further than the defense expects.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to improve your skills. Many are simple, like learning a concept and practicing it over and over. No matter what you are trying to learn, practice makes perfect. You just need a basketball and a hoop. Regardless of whether or not you play on a team or a playground, these tips will make your game better.