Basketball basics are simple to learn. The fundamentals can be learned in a matter of minutes. However, there is always more to learn if you want to be a better basketball player, and the following advice will help you get started.
Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Look up and never down at the ground.
Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. When done correctly, the crossover dribble help you to change direction in order to move down the court efficiently.
If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.
Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle is good, but you can have too much. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.
Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing a back pass! Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Then, move the basketball around your rear. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This should make it easy to trick the other team.
See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Do you do something particularly well? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.
To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Don’t let your palms touch it. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.
Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Although being fast is important, avoid playing faster than your capabilities. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.
You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.
Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it. Some minor bending of the knees makes a big difference in your ability to control the ball.
Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations. You may see an open court but there are opponents ready to swarm you. Because of this, you must be able to dribble efficiently regardless of your body’s position. This allows you to get yourself out of a tough spot.
Maybe you are a newbie when it comes to basketball. Perhaps you have played the game ever since you were that wee tyke on the court. Regardless of your skill level, what you have read will provide you with new information. Use this advice during your next game.