How To Improve Your Basketball Skills And Achieve Star Status

by | Aug 20, 2021 | Basketball

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

No matter if you plan to hit the court or lead the cheers from the stands, some basic basketball knowledge is key. Are you aware of what the score is? Never fret! Basketball is not only a fun game, it is also simple for anyone to learn. Continue reading this article for advice you can make use of whether you watch or play this sport.

TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

It’s easy to focus on offense when learning to play, but your practice time would be better spent on defense. Defense can make or break a basketball game. Offense gets all the praise and attention, but without a good defense, any basketball team is destined to lose.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

Practice your layups a lot. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

Bounce Passes

TIP! Don’t play when you are injured! You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. If you keep playing when you are injured, you could end up with an injury which keeps you from ever playing again.

Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back.

Never practice only against the zone. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Make them uncomfortable.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent. Don’t fret! Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. Practice free throws and layups. You can always work on something.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Are you really good at any one thing? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five 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.

One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. Know the dominant hand of every player. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! Don’t leave your defensive stance. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position.

Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

TIP! Keep low when you play defense. Doing so improves your reaction time with regards to your opponents’ actions.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

TIP! Use your hand to create a barrier between the ball and your opponent. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. When you can see the big picture, you can react to anything.

TIP! The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Basketball requires a team.

Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball. This can make for good psychological warfare.

TIP! Always practice from all spots on the court. Practice your grip and balance first.

In order to confuse the offense, try changing your pace. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. When they do, try pushing forward hard and running right past them.

TIP! Serious basketball players take their diets seriously too. Complex carbohydrates and protein will give you energy to ensure that you get through a long, fast-paced basketball game.

Work on your 3 point shot by shooting from the established NBA distance. The standard line and college lines are much closer. Learning how to shoot from the NBA three point line can help you get better looks at the basket.

TIP! You need to be able to alter your opponents path. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning.

If you want to perform your best in basketball, you need to eat well. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein. Peanut butter and nuts are great choices. Salt and sugars should only been eaten rarely.

TIP! Double dribbling is considered a foul. This occurs if you restart dribbling seconds after you have stopped your original dribble.

You need to be able to alter your opponents path. Whether you’re playing defense or offense, it’s crucial to control the other player’s movements. This allows you to go where you need to go and does not let them determine your path.

TIP! When you are coming back down from a caught rebound widen your stance. This will help to increase your overall balance.

Control your nerves when you are shooting. Maintain focus on the basket. Specifically, you should train you eyes to concentrate on the backside of the basket rim while you are making the shot. But if you want to do a layup, just pay attention to where you need to bounce the ball on the back board.

TIP! Be sure you understand how important good passing is. You can confuse the opposition with your passes.

Wasn’t that easy? Your fun level will only increase since you know more information about the sport of basketball. Use the information above to help you become a better ball player.