Basketball is something for everyone, whether you’re a guy or gal. People from all walks of life are able to have a lot of fun when playing a game of basketball. Get everyone together so you can show them what you’ve learned. What new moves, you ask? The following tips will help you hone your craft.
Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.
To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.
Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. There are, however, other factors that influence the pass.
Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.
You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Avoid putting your palm on the ball, too. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.
Practice passing while looking another way. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition. If you do it right, the look makes members of the opposing team look in the wrong direction, which gives the person to whom you passed the ball plenty of time to make the shot. If you can master this move, it can really work in your favor.
To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.
If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.
Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides. This helps give your team the advantage, and allows you to drive the center.
In order to ensure that you are always ready to defend, keep your stance at all times. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Stay low and make it hard for opponents to get around you.
Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. When you get to be an adult is when you want to concentrate on strength training to help improve durability on the court.
Improve your shooting skills by taking hundreds of different shots from all angles and distances. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot. Focus on the target when airborne, but never before. This will help improve your accuracy during a game.
Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. Basketball is a team sport. That means offense and defense aren’t one on one. Instead, all players help and support one another. Speak to others and tell them when you’ll need help so everyone can play better.
When catching a rebound, be sure to land with legs that are spread wider than your shoulder span, to help keep your balance. Make sure that your hands are on both sides of the basketball, and that you hold it close to your chest. Don’t let your elbows poke another player or you will gain a foul.
When you shoot, do what you can to temper your nerves. It’s important to focus. Learn to always focus your gaze on the back edge of the rim as you shoot the ball. If you are not doing a lay-up, it is best to look at the area from which the ball should bank off.
Armed with the information presented here, you can enjoy your next basketball game with confidence and flair. You might even have some tricks up your sleeves that your friends don’t know about. Just keep the game fun. No matter the case, it’s fun being the winner!