Basketball is fun, fast-paced and sometimes frustrating. You must know the basics in order to jump onto the court and play. This article offers multiple ways to become a better basketball player.
It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. This allows you to control the ball better. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.
Practice shooting free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. You should practice as often as possible with this technique. Hold the ball level to your face. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.
Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.
Bounce Pass
You have to know how to bounce pass properly. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. But, there are some factors that can change this.
Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. If you have not practiced enough on this scenario, you could run afoul of the scoreboard very fast.
Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. Don’t worry! You can still accomplish a lot when playing solo. Work on free throws or three pointers. You can always practice.
If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.
Free Throw
To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.
If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. Refine this skill by bouncing a ball with force between the legs while stepping backwards or forwards. If you get this down, you will have a major advantage on the court.
You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Get them outside their comfort zone. When making a move, be aggressive. Do not allow them to choose the plays that they make. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.
If you want to put pressure on the offense, you need to change the pace of things. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. All the while, push ahead hard then run past them.
Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. Sprints help you gain skill in individual plays, while running longer distances will increase your stamina. You can build muscle to support your shots and ability to hustle by lifting weights and engaging in resistance training. Practicing will also build your confidence when shooting.
Serious basketball players take their diets seriously too. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein. You should eat more lean sources of protein, fruits and vegetables. Sugar gives quick bursts of energy, but you should eat it sparingly.
Make sure you don’t double dribble. Double dribbling occurs after a pause in dribbling. Remember that if you do stop dribbling, your options are limited to shooting or passing to a teammate. You can’t pick up the dribble again. If you do, you are committing a turnover, and the other team will get the ball.
After catching a ball that has rebounded, land on your feet, spreading legs wider than your shoulders in order to get greater balance. Put your hands on the sides of the basketball and then put it close to your chest. Watch that your elbows don’t hit an opponent or a foul will be called.
You need to control your nerves when shooting the ball. The basket should be the your main focus. In particular, train your eyes to move to the back of the rim when you are shooting. However, when making a lay-up, focus sharply on the section of the backboard where you will bank the ball.
A great way to beat teams in zone defense is a penetrating dribble. Breaking through your opponents defenses and getting into the paint will cause your opponent to change what they’re doing. If you think you can make the shot, then go for it. If someone has a better shot, pass to them.
Basketball is an amazing sport to enjoy. You also know that it is vital to learn all you can about basketball in order to excel. Follow these tips to enhance your game and play at the top of your ability.