Basketball is more than just an activity you run around in during gym class. You can play at the park or even at your own home. If your passion is basketball, take the time to read the following article to learn more about the sport.
When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Try dribbling even when walking to a store. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.
If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Know your strengths and practice them until you have perfected them.
Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. Know which players are left and right handed. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.
If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.
If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. Practice this by bouncing the ball hard between your legs as you take a step forward or back. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.
Practice drills that force you to get the basketball to the other end of the court in less than 5 dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. This translates to simple layups, fast breaks or just a general increase in your team’s numbers.
Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Keep in mind that your feet shouldn’t cross and this should make you good at defense.
Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. When you’re playing a game, you have to dribble when you’re in a lot of different situations. You will have many opponents swarming you. You must know how to dribble the ball no matter what your body is doing. This will help you maneuver around trouble.
No matter what type of basketball game you like to play, the better your skill level, the more you will enjoy your game. Follow the advice presented here to become the best basketball player you can. The more than you learn, the better you will play.