You probably felt like you entered an alternate universe the first time you played basketball. You learned the basics: dribbling, passing and shooting. Now, you might even feel as though you have mastered the sport. There is still a lot more to learn, and the following tips will show you how.
Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.
Get good at making free throws. It seems easy to do but surely isn’t. This technique should be practiced often if possible. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Bend your knees to control the arc of the ball.
If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. You must do it fast for best success. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.
Free throws are as mental as physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.
Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.
It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.
Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Do they feel you are really good at something? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.
If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.
Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.
If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.
A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.
Can you see well? This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots. You need to have the best peripheral vision possible. By seeing the court well, you can anticipate defensive moves as well as what all your teammates are doing. Good vision is vital to basketball success.
This article has provided you with excellent ideas for improving your game, so the ball is in your court. Set goals for yourself, and be sure you practice, practice, practice! Use the tips here when you are creating your strategy and you will see big improvements in your game.