Basketballs is indeed an exciting, fast-paced sport that many people enjoy. To make the most of your abilities, you need to learn all aspects of the game and how to improve. Here you’re going to get some advice that can help you do better at basketball.
If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. This term refers to switching the hand you use. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.
Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.
Receiving Player
Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.
Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? You should try a back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. It’s a great way to trick your opposing team.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. If the signal is not used, then the pass should not be made to that player.
Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.
Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Look at how you did and judge yourself. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.
Be certain you are able to see well. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. If you look across the whole game and not just focus on the ball, you can see oncoming defensive pressure in advance, as well as open teammates.
Do not release your defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.
Keep low as you defend. This allows you to jump or react quicker. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. When you break your stance to block, return to proper form as quick as you can.
To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing. This will help you with your basketball game also.
Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. You are limited once you cease dribbling. If you don’t shoot or pass, you have to pivot on the back foot. This leaves you vulnerable to being double teamed by members of the opposing team, and it is far more likely that the ball will be stolen.
Keep the ball below knee level if possible. This will lower the chances of your opponent being able to steal the ball. You need to bend your knees to have this happen, but you will be able to move along the court fast because you’ll be throwing off your defenders.
To succeed in basketball you should learn how to change the path of your opponent. Whether you’re playing offense or defense, controlling what the other player does is essential. In this way, you can move as necessary without allowing your opponents to direct you.
Double Dribbling
Double dribbling is not a habit you want to get into. To keep from double dribbling, simply refrain from starting to dribble a second time after you have already stopped dribbling once in that same possession. If dribbling stops, you must pass or shoot the basketball. It is against the rules to recommence dribbling. That is also referred to as a turnover, and the ref will call it for your opponent.
Many people love to play basketball and for good reason. This article has helped to show that continual learning is a part of really excelling at the sport. Use the tips above to become the best basketball player you can be.