Best Tips On Becoming A Great Basketball Player

by | Aug 22, 2022 | Basketball

TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

Many people love basketball. However, it’s not that simple to be the greatest at the game when you first start. You do not need to be a great player, the point of the game is to have fun. Continue on so you’re able to figure out what can be done if you wish to play basketball.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to actual games or watch on TV.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. There is nothing wrong with that. Solo games also help. Practice pivoting or you can practice doing free throws. Many things can be practiced.

Core Muscles

TIP! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. The stronger your core, the higher you will jump.

TIP! Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Find out what they perceive as your best skill. You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch replays and follow scouting reports.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Keep an eye open for easy shots.

TIP! When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. When you are prepared, you play better defense.

Opposing Team

TIP! Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your forearms and hands in order to maximize your ability to handle the ball. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually.

Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

TIP! Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

TIP! Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. This will lower the chances of your opponent being able to steal the ball.

You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. If the defense gets to be too much, look to pass the ball to someone who is open.

TIP! To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. This is much safer than just shoving an opponent, which is a serious foul and bad sportsmanship to boot.

A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! Your exercise off the court needs to help your game. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, while running sprints will help you with fast-paced moves.

Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him. Have forwards sprint to players on the wing. Your forwards should easily be able to steal the pass that the point guard throws.

TIP! To become a great player talk with your teammates and learn what they have planned. The sport of basketball is truly a team game.

When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen. Bending your knees will make a big difference in the way you can control the ball.

TIP! If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy diet. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein.

Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance. If you can hit from NBA range, you can get open looks at a deeper range than a defense is probably going to mind you (until you start hitting).

TIP! Don’t dribble twice in a row with a stop in between. A double dribble occurs when you’re done dribbling one time and then begin to do it again a little while afterwards.

Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. When you stop, your options are limited. Your only option, besides shooting or passing, is to use your back foot to pivot. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and try get the ball away from you.

TIP! Positioning is key in picking up an essential rebound. Use both feet to jump for the ball, then hold on with both of your hands.

Keep the activity below the knees if possible. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. This takes some stooping and bending, but just move quickly down the court as you thwart the opposition.

TIP! If you are playing opposite a much larger player, just keep your body between the ball and them. That closes the lane for a pass as you won’t be able to block their shots.

Use your hand to create a barrier between the ball and your opponent. You can’t push with that arm, but it can serve as an obstacle that helps keep your opponent from reaching in. This move helps to keep the ball protected and you in control of it.

TIP! The key to becoming a successful basketball player is being able to pivot. You must practice footwork so that you are comfortable on your feet.

Are you prepared to give this your all? Start with some practice, of course. Start being excited and then get motivated to start playing basketball today! In no time at all, your skills we be noticeably stronger as a result of this advice.