To really enjoy the game of basketball, you need to have some basic knowledge of how the game is played. Are you not quite sure what the score is? Don’t let it worry you. As exciting as basketball is, it’s also an easy sport to learn. Continue reading this article for advice you can make use of whether you watch or play this sport.
Make sure to dribble properly. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. This will give you better control of the basketball. Keep the ball by your side as you dribble instead of right in front your body. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.
Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Use this technique to better your game. Hold the ball level to your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then repeat that when you take the shot.
You need good balance when you shoot. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.
Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.
To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.
Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. If you are being guarded closely, bring your dribbling to an end and pass the ball to another open team member.
Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This may seem quite difficult at first, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have great 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.
Opposing Team
If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. The point guard will then probably throw an easily interceptable pass.
Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. All other distance lines, high school, college and International, are not as far. Hitting from the NBA range makes you get deeper-ranged looks than the defense will be guarding you at.
You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations. It would be great if you are always able to go full speed ahead, but more times than not you will need to move and flow with the defense in front of you. You must dribble while you make your body lean in various directions. In this way, you can escape all kinds of difficult situations.
Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. You could, for instance, work on your sprint so you can perform plays faster, while running on a longer distance will help you build your stamina. Strength training helps, too. The resulting sense of confidence and power will help when you shoot.
Remember that your diet has a great affect on your basketball performance. You need to eat carbs, fats and protein on game days. Improve your game through improving your diet. Good choices include chicken, whole wheat, peanut butter, and other nut based foods. Avoid using excessive sugar and salt.
A corner shot often bounces to the opposite end of the court. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.
Build your team up at all times. Basketball is one of those games that goes to another level when a team gels completely. When you feel like your team is part of your family, you have mutual trust. This bond will bring your game to new levels.
That wasn’t too bad, right? Now you know a ton about basketball. Using this information can better your game or better your TV experience when watching the pros.
