Basketball is not a particularly complex game and the rules are simple to understand. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. There will always be more to learn when you want be good at playing basketball, and the tips that follow will be helpful place to get you started.
Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Never look at the ground. Always look up.
If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.
Practice your layup shot often. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.
You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.
Core Muscles
If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.
Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Can you get better at something? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. When you find out what they think, you may learn a lot.
Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Your palm should not be touching the ball. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.
Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Honestly and openly assess your own performance. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.
Drills should be done where you attempt to get your basketball up the court within five dribbles or even less than that. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player. If you master this, you will be able to quickly take layups.
Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Never cross your feet and your opponents will find you a difficult player.
When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. This allows you to jump or react quicker. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.
Switch the weight of your body while you are dribbling. This will happen during games frequently. While the court may be open at times, this only means you’re likely to get swarmed. You must know how to dribble the ball no matter what your body is doing. This allows you to get yourself out of a tough spot.
Maybe you just began learning about playing basketball before you read this. Or, maybe you have been playing ball since you were little. Either way, the information located above can assist you in becoming a great ball player. Use this information the very next time you play.