Get In The Game: A Guide To Playing Basketball

by | May 1, 2022 | Basketball

TIP! Balance is essential to shooting. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

Even the NBA’s best players don’t know everything there is to know about basketball. The game changes constantly, players get better and you have to keep your skills sharp. Do you want to be a good player? Read on to learn how you can gain a basketball edge.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Use the following directions to perfect free throws and practice often. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Then repeat that when you take the shot.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best.

You need good balance when you shoot. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. This is simply an improvised move. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.

Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. 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.

TIP! When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. Are you great at any one thing? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Make them uncomfortable.

One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Figure out which people are right or left handed. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball.

If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. You should also make sure that your dominant shoulder is lined up with the rim.

TIP! A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. When you do it right, the opponents are going to think you’re moving in one direction. That way, the person you’ve given the ball to has a bit of time to look at the net to taking a shot. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

TIP! A key play on defense is to draw a charge. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Don’t allow yourself to use your dominant hand when practicing. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.

TIP! Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. To do this, avoid lurching or stepping across the floor; instead use smaller, shuffling steps to move with your opponent.

One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position. Don’t forget not to cross your feet, and you won’t be easy to get around.

TIP! Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. Being physically tough is as important as having the stamina to keep up with the game.

Dribble the ball below knee level. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball. Although this means bending a bit, you will be able to move quickly down the court, particularly since you will be successfully avoiding those who are attempting to get the ball from you.

TIP! Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it.

The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. This keeps your opponent from being able to steal the ball. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options.

Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. To play more physically, lift weights to make yourself a more dominating presence. You will develop a confidence and attitude that you make you a better shooter.

TIP! Do off court exercises that will improve your game on the court. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina.

Now that you have read this advice, you should have more confidence in your basketball skills. They have been designed to help you improve as a player. Continue to practice and learn. Keep these tips in mind and be the best basketball player you can be!