Do you want to be as great as Shaquille O’Neil? Work on your technique, practice your skills and perfect your ball handling skills. Use these tips to help you accomplish those great feats.
Crossovers are key for ball handlers. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. This must be done quickly to be successful. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.
There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.
You should practice pass catching regularly. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Be a better teammate by anticipating a bad pass to make sure it doesn’t get into the opponents hands.
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. This can be prevented through the use of hand signals. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.
Never play through an injury when playing basketball. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common. You may injure yourself more if you continue to play with an injury. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.
Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Are you really good at any one thing? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. Find out how your game appears to others and develop your skills accordingly.
Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. One of the most important keys to being a solid defender is an understanding of your opponent.
Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. When looking at the tape, don’t be too critical, but be honest. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.
Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. This should befuddle your opponent. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.
To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.
Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. You have to get the ball around, too.
Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length. This helps give your team the advantage, and allows you to drive the center.
Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.
What you eat can affect how you play. When you play regularly, you need plenty of carbs for more energy, along with protein and fats. Adding nuts, chicken, peanut butter and whole grain breads to your diet can help. Look for foods with low amounts of fat and sugar.
Have you learned some helpful tips? You need to develop confidence and practice consistently. Keep your head up and use what you learned here.