Basketball fans transform whenever basketball season comes, whether it’s playing or just supporting their teams. Part of keeping your fans happy is giving them something to cheer about. Start practicing now and improve your game. These tips help you be on a winning team.
Correct dribbling is key. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. This allows you to control the ball better. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.
The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.
Balance is vital to good shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. This is simply an improvised move. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.
It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.
Do you want to fool the other team? Try the back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Move the ball so that it is behind you. Pass the ball from behind your back by flicking your wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This helps trick your opponents.
Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful. There is nothing wrong with that. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Work on free throws and pivot moves. Many things can be practiced.
You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.
Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Pay attention to dominant hands. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. A knowledgeable defender is a strong defender.
Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. In order to play fast, you must practice drills. Don’t try playing fast until you can. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.
Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.
When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. That will build your balance and help you stay in the right position.
A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.
You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. You have to be ready to move fast and change directions on a dime.
Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. You want to make sure that you see what is going on to the sides of you. If you scan the entire court instead of keeping your eye on the basketball, you will be aware of oncoming defensive pressure as well as the positions of your open teammates.
Clearly, many things exist that can help bolster your game. Better players make better teams. Many people have a part in basketball, even if they are just cheering in the crowd. Your part as a player is to assist your team any way that you can. Use these tips to improve your skills and become a valuable teammate.