It’s difficult to overestimate just how many fans of basketball there are around the world. Basketball can be enjoyed even more when you know how the game is played well. The intricacies of the game are nearly limitless. This piece is intended to help people do that.
Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. Defense can make or break a basketball game. If your team doesn’t have a good defense, you’re not going to make it far in a game.
You need good balance when you shoot. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.
Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. There are other things to keep in mind, though.
Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.
Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.
Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. These muscles form a bridge across the lower and upper parts of your body. When the core is weak, it is difficult to coordinate the movements of both halves. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.
Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.
Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. Know the dominant hand of every player. If you know their game, you can defend against it. The strongest defenders are those who have information.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Evaluate what you see honestly, but don’t be too hard on yourself. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.
Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. This is a tricky move, but it will provide you a good advantage when you play.
To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. This gives you better balance, while keeping you poised toward the basket.
To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.
Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 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. This may mean you can get your team some numbers for a period of time, or you can do easy lay-ups.
It is hard to rival the excitement and passion so many people feel for basketball. If you’re not completely familiar with how the game is played, you won’t be able to enjoy the sport fully. It is our sincere hope that this article contains information that will be helpful to basketball lovers of every skill and ability level.