Basketball isn’t just a sport played in gym or organized leagues. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. If you love basketball, read the following tips to help you become a better ball player.
While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are won because of good defense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.
Practice shooting free throws. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Use this technique to better your game. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.
Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. This all depends on many factors.
When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.
If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.
To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.
You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.
You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Never let them control the game plays. This will give your opponent the advantage. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.
To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. School and the international standard lines are nearer than that. 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.
Practice shooting hundreds of shots during each training, and you quickly improve shooting skills. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot. Be sure you look at the target as you’re in mid air. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.
Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. This keeps your opponent from being able to steal the ball. Keep it slightly up when you dribble with your opposite hand.
Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Basketball is considered a team sport. It is not a one-on-one game. Everyone helps everyone else. If you believe others can help you improve, let them know. The result benefits you and your entire team.
Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage. Both the change in speed and sound will confound the player who is guarding you.
A missed corner shot will usually end up on the opposite side of the basketball court. If that happens, you can guess the place where it will go and manage to get the rebound.
Build your team in and out of the basketball court. When your team is of one accord, your game will be the best possible. When you feel like your team is part of your family, you have mutual trust. This bond will bring your game to new levels.
After a rebound has occurred, the spot where you are positioned will dictate whether possession is retained. Use both feet when jumping; this improves both height and control. Once you have the basketball, land with wide feet that will help you keep your balance.
Practice your pivoting skills to improve your performance on the court. Having excellent footwork through repetition in practice allows you to develop a nice pivot that becomes second nature in a game. Practice by standing in a pivoting stance until the ball is thrown to you.
Whether for casual play, for competition, or just for a shoot around, improving your basketball skills will make it more fun to play. After reading this article, it is time to implement the tips. The more you learn, the more you can enjoy playing and watching basketball.