What is there to learn about basketball? What do you need to become a much better player and to better appreciate the game? These tips will help you become better in no time the next time you’re on the court.
To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.
Quality footwork will help you get better shots. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Strong footwork is key.
Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.
To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.
A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them out of their comfort zone. The more aggressive you are the better. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. To avoid this, stay aggressive and try to interrupt their thought patterns and rhythm.
Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.
Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Even the youngest players need to have strong arms and legs. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. Continue training throughout the adult years to maintain a constant performance.
When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you. Maintain proper defensive position at all times. If you need to block someone’s shot, quickly get back into your stance.
While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. Bending your knees slightly can really make a difference in the way you control the ball.
Use the hand that doesn’t have the ball as a block. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Keep is slightly up as you dribble with your other hand.
Use workouts to better your game. Sprinting will help you develop speed, while running long distances will help you develop great stamina. Build up your core muscles and the strength in your forearms. You will be able to shoot well with this confidence and aggression.
Keep dribbling in a particular rhythm until you think it’s time to trick the opponent. Dribble consistently, then break it up by dribbling fast. This will keep your opponent off balance so you can get in a good shot. It’s not just the speed, it’s the change in sound too that can stymy the person guarding you.
If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy diet. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, along with some fats and protein. Good foods that provide these essentials include nuts, lean meats and whole wheat breads. Conversely, avoid salt and sugar whenever you can.
If someone is shooting from a corner of the court, a missed shot will likely bounce right over the net and to the other side of the court. Anticipate where the ball lands and grab the rebound.
Foster a positive relationship with your team members regardless of whether you are playing or practicing. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well. The ability to intuit and appreciate the actions of your teammates can significantly improve your performance as a whole.
Be sure not to double dribble. This occurs when you have stopped dribbling, held the ball for a few seconds, and then start dribbling again. When you stop dribbling, the only two choices you have are to shoot or pass. It is against the rules to recommence dribbling. If you do, you are committing a turnover, and the other team will get the ball.
The position you adopt before, during, and immediately following a rebound has an effect on your ability to keep possession of the ball. If you wish to have better balance and power, then make sure you use both feet when you jump. After getting the rebound, place the ball near your chest and keep your feet shoulder length apart as you land for increased stability.
Do you feel more knowledgeable about the game of basketball? Do you feel confident to take control on the court? Are you able to handle the fact that you’re going to do the best at basketball that you’ve ever done because of this article? Get out there and begin practicing while putting these tips into practice so you can reap the rewards.