Practicing as much as possible will help you become a better basketball player. However, why practice if you are not doing it properly to start? These hints will introduce you to some interesting basketball techniques that you can then practice on the court.
Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. You retain much more ball control this way. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Always look up and never look down at the ground.
Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. Learning how to catch these errant passes will put you at an advantage.
You can learn to trick the opposing team. Give the back pass a try! To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This will trick your opponents.
Core Muscles
Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. Your performance is going to be sub-par if you don’t have strengthened core muscles. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.
A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Don’t attempt to play more quickly than your skills allow. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.
Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.
When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.
To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This gives you better balance, while keeping you poised toward the basket.
To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.
Whether you play basketball all the time or just once and awhile, the above tips will be of help. Trying even a single new thing can greatly enhance your abilities. You will become a better passer, rebounder and shooter.