Learn The Skills The Basketball Pros Use

by | Feb 20, 2021 | Basketball

TIP! Practice shooting free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard.

Basketball is a game that people enjoy all over the world. To become a star in basketball, you need a strong work ethic and lots of practice. Everything in the article below will help get you started on your way.

TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

TIP! You have to know how to bounce pass properly. It needs to get to the player at their waist.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. That’s OK! You can still do a lot on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. There is always something to practice.

TIP! Work on catching passes frequently. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. These will both require powerful footwork.

TIP! Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

Never play through an injury when playing basketball. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Trying to be tough so you can keep going, even when you’re just a little uncomfortable, can make an injury worse. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.

TIP! Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket.

The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

Basketball players must be fast. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. They will probably notice the things you do best.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots. Great peripheral vision is an asset. Having good court awareness to see everything around you lets you see plays develop before they happen, either by warding off the defenders or getting the ball to open teammates.

TIP! Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer.

You need to take a charge anytime you can. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! When you have the chance, take charge. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball.

An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride. If you never allow your feet to cross one another you will invariably be a very hard player to get passed.

TIP! When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way.

Remain low when playing defense. This helps you jump fast and react quickly. You always want to have a strong defensive stance on the court. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.

TIP! Keep your knees loose when you dribble the ball. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal.

Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot.

Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Each team has multiple players on it. Therefore offense and defense do not play one-on-one. Everyone must contribute as a team. When everyone works together, you can play better as a team.

TIP! You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations.

You should spend some time shooting from various places on the court. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice. Shooting off balance is possible, but you will not be nearly as accurate with your shots. To get a perfect grip, use the basketball valve as a point of reference. Keep your dominant hand spread out, and place the palm on top of the valve; this is the basketball’s center.

TIP! To help maintain your balance when catching a rebound, try to land with your feet shoulder width apart. Your hands must be positioned on both sides of the ball, and the ball must be held tightly against your chest.

If you have the right tips in mind as you practice basketball, you will find the game becomes easier and more enjoyable. Read the article carefully and head out onto the court to get all of the practice you need before starting your next game. Take in all the good ideas that you can find, and make your game better.