One of the best things about basketball is how easy it is to learn the basics. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. However, there is always more to learn if you want to be a better basketball player, and the following advice will help you get started.
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. Victory requires the ability to play defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
Find out how to make free throw shots. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. The following technique should be practiced often. Hold the ball level with your face. Use visualization to imagine the goal occurring. Then repeat that when you take the shot.
Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.
There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. The back pass is perfect for this. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.
One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The core is what holds the body in balance and allows the limbs to work well. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.
A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. You will want to keep extra attention on areas that could improve your position as well.
Jumping Rope
When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.
Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.
You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.
When dribbling, bend your knees. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. Your ball control will improve dramatically by simply bending a little at the knees.
To help practice three-point shooting you should practice shooting at the NBA distance. The established International standard line is closer, as are the high school and college lines. Nailing shots from the NBA line can really help improve your overall shooting skills.
An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot. When you are in the air, take a gander at the target. Don’t do it prior to this point. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.
If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy diet. Complex carbohydrates and protein will give you energy to ensure that you get through a long, fast-paced basketball game. Some good things to add to a diet would be peanut butter, nuts, chicken, and wheat breads. You should use salt and sugar sparingly.
Avoid double dribbling. This occurs if you restart dribbling seconds after you have stopped your original dribble. Remember that if you do stop dribbling, your options are limited to shooting or passing to a teammate. Whatever you do, do not start dribbling once you stop. This will lead to you having to turnover the ball to the opposing team.
Where you are standing on the court can make a difference as to whether you get a rebound. Use both feet to jump with power and balance, and use both hands to grab the ball. After you rebound the ball, you should land on your feet while they’re spread wider than the shoulders so you can have more balance. You should also hold the ball closer to your chest.
Maybe you are a newbie when it comes to basketball. You may have played the game ever since you were young. No matter the case, the information below can help you play better. Use these tips when you are ready to play again.