Basketball isn’t a game that’s only played in after school games or gym class. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. If shooting hoops is your thing, then you need to take some time out to read through the content that’s presented below.
Practice your defense more than your offense. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play. Offense gets attention and praise, but when you lack good defense, any team can lose.
Make sure to dribble properly. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.
You need good balance when you shoot. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. This is simply an improvised move. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.
If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.
Practice your layups a lot. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.
Free Throws
Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. This is very challenging at first, but eventually it will really improve your entire team’s passing game.
Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. Both skills rely on some solid footwork.
Work on core strength when you work out. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.
Whether you play competitively or for fun, learning to be a better ball player is paramount. If you are going to invest the time into reading this article, you surely want to put your new knowledge into action. As you learn more, you’ll start to play better.