
It’s no secret why basketball is so popular: the pace is fast, causing excitement. But, if you want to play your best on the court, you need to be aware of certain things. The following tips will help you take your game up a notch.
Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. You should be dribbling the ball at your side instead of in front of your body. The ball should always be dribbled at waist level. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.
Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Use this technique to better your game. Hold the ball level with your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then repeat that when you take the shot.
When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more. Bring the ball no matter where you go. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.
If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players. Know what you are good at, then practice it until you’re absolutely perfect at it!
Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.
Want to trick the other team? Try a back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Move the ball so that it is behind you. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.
Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. Only your fingers should touch it during a pass or when dribbling.
Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Look at how you did and judge yourself. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.
Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.
Drills should be done where you attempt to get your basketball up the court within five dribbles or even less than that. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it will increase your stride length and your speed. This helps give your team the advantage, and allows you to drive the center.
One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.
Strength Training
You can really up your performance on the court by doing strength training. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Even little kids who play basketball will develop more overall body strength. When they become teenagers, they will be able to step up to weight work to become even stronger. When you get to be an adult is when you want to concentrate on strength training to help improve durability on the court.
Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. If your ability to use that hand starts to improve, the benefits to your basketball playing talents will be substantial. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.
Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop, your options are limited. You can’t do anything but pivot if you don’t shoot or pass. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.
Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. You might have a truly open court, but you might also be dealing with an onslaught of opposition. Going through the court will be easier if you can quickly adjust your direction without interrupting your dribbling. This allows you to get yourself out of a tough spot.
This article has shown you just how fun basketball can be. This article has also proven that you need knowledge on this sport if you want to play like a pro. If you want to give basketball your all, then follow the advice you have read here.