How To Become Great At Playing Basketball

by | Mar 6, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

Basketball is incredibly popular. People play pickup basketball games in their driveway. Nearly every playground has a basketball court. It is an official Olympic sport and NBA stars are known throughout the world. Those who play the game are always interested in improving. Below are several useful ideas for bettering your game and scoring some real victories.

TIP! When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more.

Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.

TIP! Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Consider the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

TIP! Watch how the pros play basketball. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own. That’s OK! There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket.

Don’t play when you are injured! It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.

TIP! See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. What areas are your strong points? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. They will probably notice the things you do best. Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

TIP! Never turn away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what’s coming. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts.

When you are passing the ball, get used to looking in the other direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. The look will cause your guard to turn away. When done smoothly it can be a game changer.

TIP! You need to be quick to be good at basketball. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Refine this skill by bouncing a ball with force between the legs while stepping backwards or forwards.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands.

To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! A great way to make sure you’re in a good position defensively is to keep yourself in the defensive stance. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position.

Clearly, there are quite a few ways to help yourself play a better game. It can be easy when you practice. Practice makes perfect, and basketball is no exception. It helps to be near a basketball net as often as possible. Whether you are practicing to play competitively or just for fun, the information in this article will improve your game.