Basketball is a favorite of all ages. Not all people are aware of the true fundamentals of the game. This article can help anyone, no matter their skill level, to improve their game and enjoy the sport much more.
Free throw practice is vitally important. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not. Try using this technique in practicing. Hold the ball level with your face. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Then throw the ball just as you had visualized.
If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.
It is important that you practice layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.
A bounce pass is essential to learn. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. Many other factors will affect it, too.
Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Relax, take your time and be focused.
You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.
If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. You’ll want to ensure that your shoulders are squared up towards the hoops. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.
Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.
Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This will easily confuse your opponents. The look will cause your guard to turn away. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.
A great way to stay in a correct defensive stance is to always stay in position no matter what. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Don’t cross your feet and no one will get around you.
Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. Just a slight bend in your knees can have a huge impact on ball control.
Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited. If you choose against passing or shooting, you are stuck pivoting in place. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and try get the ball away from you.
Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you. Bend a little so you can keep the ball closer to the ground and move through the court as quickly as possible.
Basketball is enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds. The secret to both enjoying a good game and playing a good game is personal knowledge. Utilize the techniques discussed in this article to help you better understand the game.