How To Become Great At Playing Basketball

by | May 10, 2022 | Basketball

TIP! Perfect your free throw. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult.

Many people around the world love watching and playing basketball. There is so much to learn about basketball, though. Keep reading to find out great ways to bring your game skills to a whole new level.

TIP! When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play. Offense gets more attention, but the team is going to lose without a strong defense.

Crossover Dribble

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Practice your pass catching often. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.

TIP! One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes.

Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. This gives you better control of the ball.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. When you are prepared, you play better defense.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! Practice passing while looking another way. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! 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.

To play or to watch, basketball is truly one of the most enjoyable sports in existence. However, you can enjoy the sport more by learning as much as you can about basketball. This article is a great resource for accomplishing that.