Whether you want to shoot hoops like a pro or cheer from the bleachers, you need basketball information in order to enjoy the game. Just starting out? Don’t get upset. Basketball is so much fun and easy to learn about. These tips will give you a good start in becoming a skilled player.
Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Never look at the ground. Always look up.
Bounce Passes
Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. There are many factors which come into play, though.
Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.
Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.
Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Both skills rely on some solid footwork.
Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.
In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.
Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.
Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Your shoulders should always be square towards the basket. Try to line your dominant shoulder up with the rim.
Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.
Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.
To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot. The guard is sure to anticipate a slow-down and will then straighten their own body. Like them, push and run past them.
In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Young children that play can even benefit from strengthening arms and legs through proper exercise. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.
If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. They should then trap the point guard. Simultaneously, make sure you own forwards are free to sprint to the opposing players who are out on the wings. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.
To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. All the other three point lines are much closer than the NBA line. Hitting from the NBA range makes you get deeper-ranged looks than the defense will be guarding you at.
That was a lot easier than you thought it would be, wasn’t it! You’ve learned a couple basic tricks, so now you can get out there and start enjoying the game. Use the information above to help you become a better ball player.