Basketball isn’t a game that’s only played in after school games or gym class. Basketball can be played at the park, driveway or at the local rec center. If you love basketball, read the following tips to help you become a better ball player.
If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.
Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.
Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.
You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately. Frustration can be an issue at first, but passing will improve as time goes by.
Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.
Do you want to fool the other team? Consider the back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This will trick your opponents.
Practice basketball in season and out of season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. There is nothing wrong with that. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. You can always hone your skills when practicing alone.
Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.
Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.
No matter whether you want to play some casual basketball or play in a more organized way, you’ll benefit by improving your skills. After reading this article, it is time to put that knowledge to work. As you develop your skills, you will automatically become a better ball player.