Are you interested in basketball, but wish you knew more about the sport? You are not the only one. Very few basketball lovers can play at a high level. This article contains tips used by them.
Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.
Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.
Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.
During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.
To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.
One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.
Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.
To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.
To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. This improves your accuracy.
Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. You may see an open court but there are opponents ready to swarm you. You have to figure out how you can dribble while you’re working with your body leaning. This allows you to extricate yourself from high-pressure situations.
Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game. Lift weights to build your power. This will also help you build confidence, a key aspect of performing well in any sport.
Practice all types of shots while in different distances and angles. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice. Shooting when you are not in balance is less accurate, but it is possible. You can use the valve to find your perfect grip. Splay your dominant hand’s fingers, and place the middle of your hand atop the valve at the basketball’s center.
Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. If so, you should be able to guess its next location and move to get the rebound.
Make strong team environments off and on the court. Great basketball games happen when teams work together. You need to know how your teammates play to play the best ball game. Additionally, you need to be able to trust them.
Take control of opposing players’ movements. Regardless of whether you play defense or offense, the ability to control the other team creates a significant advantage. Doing so makes it easier for you to navigate the court without interference from the other player.
Now that you have read this article, you probably know a lot more about basketball than you did before. However, after you’ve gathered additional knowledge about the game through this article, maybe you feel like getting out on the court and being a pro yourself. Use this advice the next time you’re playing a game of basketball.