Basketball is an enjoyable sport that’s loved by many. Being the best player is not always easy, however. While athleticism and genetics might determine your rank somewhat, basketball can be fun for everyone. Continue to read and learn more about basketball.
Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.
Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. They improvise to do that. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.
If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.
Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.
There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Consider the back pass. To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. Doing this will trick your opponent.
Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play. That’s fine. Solo games also help. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. You can always find things to practice.
Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Find out what they perceive as your best skill. They may say you’re fast or that you share well. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.
Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.
Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. The ball should always be in control and moving.
When you dribble, bend your knees. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball. Bending your knees slightly will enable you to control the ball more efficiently.
To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. The line in every other league is closer. If you get it from the NBA range, your open looks will have deeper range than defense will mind you until you begin hitting.
Practice shooting hundreds of shots during each training, and you quickly improve shooting skills. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot. Only lift your head up to check out the target once you are in the air. This will mimic game conditions and help improve your accuracy.
Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. This will happen during games frequently. It is possible to be completely open, but it is also possible to be surrounded. You must dribble while you make your body lean in various directions. It can help you get out of a jam.
Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. If you need to perform better shots, work on your resistance by doing some weight lifting. This is also good for making you much more relaxed while you’re shooting the ball.
In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. The sport of basketball is truly a team game. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. Everyone must contribute as a team. You must communicate with your teammates so that you can all play better.
Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Both the speed and the sound will contribute to confusing the player that is guarding you.
Is it time to put your talents on display? You better learn those moves first. Psyche yourself up and run out onto the court to play! You’ll soon realize you’re a much better player by using these tips.