Get In The Game: A Guide To Playing Basketball

by | Feb 14, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

Basketball knows not of gender discrimination. Almost anyone can get in the game if they want to. Show your friends your moves when you play basketball with them again. What new moves? Keep reading to learn what sorts of things you can do.

TIP! Practice layups often. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Even though everyone loves to watch offense, defense is what wins you most games.

TIP! Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You must train both your body and your mind. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

Practice basketball in season and out of season. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. Don’t worry! Solo games can help you immensely. Practice free throws and layups. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

Don’t play when you are injured! Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Do you do something particularly well? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. When you find out what they think, you may learn a lot.

TIP! If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.

TIP! Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball. In this way you can get the rebound without a foul.

TIP! Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As they grow and gain skills, they will be even better players. Continue training throughout the adult years to maintain a constant performance.

TIP! When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. Letting the other guy run into you stops the game without having to use a time out, and adds another four to the opponent’s total.

You’ll now be able to feel confident the next time that you step onto a basketball court. You may even know information now that your friends do not. Enjoy the game every time you play. Remember that winning is its own reward.