The fundamentals of basketball are fairly easy to learn. You can get the basics in a couple minutes. However, there is always more to learn if you want to be a better basketball player, and the following advice will help you get started.
Keep your head up when you dribble. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble as you walk to the market. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.
Proper balance is essential when shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. This is simply an improvised move. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.
It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. Some passes may be too high, too low or off target, so you should practice receiving passes often. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.
Do not only practice zone defense plays. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. You may injure yourself more if you continue to play with an injury. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.
Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.
If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level. You’ll want to ensure that your shoulders are squared up towards the hoops. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.
You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.
To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.
Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. It really can be a powerful technique.
Strength Training
Strength training can improve your game. In addition to strength, stamina is key in basketball. Proper exercise allows younger players and older players an improved physical presence on the court. Adding weights in stronger increments is effective as the child becomes a teenager. As an adult, a player must continue strength training for optimum performance.
Use your hand to create a barrier between the ball and your opponent. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball. When dribbling, use it as a shield.
Started Playing
Maybe you recently started playing basketball. You may have started playing when you were a small child. Regardless of your skill level, what you have read will provide you with new information. Follow the advice presented here the very next time you play basketball.