When you are thinking about how you can get better at basketball, the thing of most importance is to practice. Nonetheless, technique is also important. Practicing poor technique will not help you. The tips here are going to help you get the ball into the net every time.
Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Never look at the ground. Always look up.
In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They’re just improvising at this point. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.
Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. There are other variables to consider though.
Basketball Players
If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.
If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.
Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.
Free Throw
To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.
If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.
Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.
Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. By doing this, you can increase your chance to get the rebound despite starting in a disadvantageous position.
Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. When they do, push ahead hard and outrun them.
Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. When you stop, your options are limited. Aside from using your back foot to pivot, you have very little freedom. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.
Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. During game time, you’ll find yourself dribbling from all sorts of positions. You might have a truly open court, but you might also be dealing with an onslaught of opposition. You’ll need to learn how to dribble while your body is leaning in different directions. This will help you maneuver around trouble.
Regardless of your ability, by using the advice above you are sure to see improvement. Try one tip and see how much your game improves. You can play much better basketball by using the tips provided.