People in many different countries love to watch and play basketball. You can play casually in pick-up games on most street corners or work hard to build a professional career if you get started young and have a natural gift. To learn about how to play basketball better, read on.
Pay attention to what you are good at. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.
Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.
There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.
Core Muscles
If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.
Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.
Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. You should know if a player is right or left handed. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.
When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.
Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.
If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.
You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. Be aggressive in the moves you execute. Which plays are made shouldn’t be up to them. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. You should make the initial move and throw them off.
These tips should give a better idea of how to improve your game. It isn’t hard, but it does take some know-how and effort. Once you start playing you probably will start to do so regularly. You will probably find that playing basketball is a lot of fun.