How To Improve Your Basketball Skills And Achieve Star Status

by | Feb 28, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! Look forward when dribbling. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet.

Nobody tries to fix a car without understanding what’s wrong. So how do you expect to turn into a good basketball player without learning the game? Read on to find expert advice on improving your game.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. Those who do this are improvising. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! You have to know how to bounce pass properly. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level.

To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket. Avoid this using hand signals to see if they can get the pass. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

TIP! Don’t limit your practice to just 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.

You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

TIP! Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

Playing Fast

TIP! Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Don’t try playing fast until you can. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.

TIP! Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

TIP! Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop.

If you wish to dribble the ball better, you have to start using your hand that’s considered the weak one. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Soon enough you will develop those weak hand dribbling skills.

TIP! You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal.

Being able to fix your own car provides you with great pride unrivaled by other situations. It pales in comparison to the feeling you’ll have when you learn how to play basketball well, however. This will help you win more and become more impressive.