How To Become Great At Playing Basketball

by | Sep 5, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers.

Basketball is a type of simple sport that many people play all over the world. In order to play as a team and win the game, each player has a certain function that they perform. If you want help to improve your skills, you should continue reading.

TIP! Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Dribble off to the side waist high. Don’t look down, always look up.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. This all depends on many factors.

TIP! Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.

TIP! Practice your passes and catches frequently. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

Make sure to practice catching passes. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. This will help to improve your game when it gets intense. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.

TIP! A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.

TIP! One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. Solo games can help you immensely. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. There is no shortage of things you can do.

Core Muscles

TIP! You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. The core links together all of the extremities and if it isn’t strong, they will be dealing with a limited athletic ability. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong. A simple hand gesture can let your teammate know you’re ready for the pass. If the player does not flash the signal, then the player can avoid an errant pass.

TIP! Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Do you have an area where you excel? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball.

Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations.

Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game. Know which team members are right handed and which ones are left handed. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. Smart defenders are good defenders.

TIP! You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! Dribble in a rhythmic way until you desire to catch the opposing player off guard. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them. With the forwards blocking outside, you have a good shot at intercepting a bad pass. The point guard will then probably throw an easily interceptable pass.

TIP! When shooting the ball you have to be sure not to get nervous. Maintain focus on the basket.

Every basketball player want to master the right skills. Since you have finished reading this piece, you should have greater insight into what skills you need to work on to make you a better player. Read the article again if you have to, but never stop practicing these tips in order to get better.