Basketball is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone. Basketball is fun to play regardless of your skill level. The next time you’re playing a game, show your friends your new moves. What skills might those be? Read on to discover a variety of tips and tricks to improve your game.
If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand. This action most be quick to work out. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.
Pay attention to what you are good at. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.
Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the recipient. Many other factors will affect it, too.
To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.
If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Don’t allow yourself to use your dominant hand when practicing. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.
Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.
In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.
When dribbling, bend your knees. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. Just a little bending at the knees can make a huge difference in your overall ball control.
Be sure you’re doing the right kinds of exercises off the court to help you on it. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game. Lift weights to build your power. The confidence this gives you will help you with your shooting.
Make sure you don’t double dribble. This happens when you stop dribbling and then begin again. When you stop, you have to shoot or pass. Once you have stopped dribbling you have to get rid of the ball. That is also referred to as a turnover, and the ref will call it for your opponent.
If you know that the person with the ball is weak with one hand, force them to use it. Use your body position to make the opponent move in a direction that is not as strong. Keep your head on a parallel with the player’s chest. This will make your stance low and enable you to snatch the ball away.
When shooting the ball you have to be sure not to get nervous. Stay focused on the net. Focus your stare on the back part of the rim as you are shooting. However, when making a lay-up, focus sharply on the section of the backboard where you will bank the ball.
If you are in possession of the ball, learn when you should shoot and when you should pass. Having a wide open shot is key to making it, instead of passing it off to someone who isn’t open, or shooting it yourself in that spot.
Passing is an important part of basketball. Good passing skills will help you baffle your opponent. It also demonstrates your understanding of teamwork, which fellow teammates will appreciate. The time will come later for you to showcase your own talents. Since you know you’ll have your moment to shine, have patience and help some others shine as well.
It’s difficult to be an effective player if you are unable to pivot. Practice your footwork so that you can pivot without thinking about it, and avoid getting tangled in your feet or disoriented. Work on your stance, and then practice reacting quickly when you’ve got the ball in your hands.
You don’t have to worry about your basketball skills any longer. Now you know some tips even your opponents don’t know. Keep in mind that basketball is supposed to be fun. No matter what, being a winner is always fun.