Countless individuals love the sport of basketball. You can enjoy a good pickup game or the challenges of playing on a real team. Read this article to gain some information about how to improve your skills.
Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.
Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. If no signal is displayed, a pass ought not be made.
Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Pay attention to dominant hands. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.
Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.
Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Force them out of their comfort zone. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.
Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.
To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.
In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.
Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.
Always stay low when playing defensively. This helps you jump fast and react quickly. Remain in a good defensive stance always. If you need to block the opposing team’s shot, resume your stance as soon as you can.
Keep your knees loose when you dribble the ball. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen. Some minor bending of the knees makes a big difference in your ability to control the ball.
Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. You will have many opponents swarming you. You have to figure out how you can dribble while you’re working with your body leaning. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.
When dribbling, use your other arm to create a wall between you and your opponent. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Hold your arm slightly elevated as you dribble with the opposite hand.
Double Dribbling
Double dribbling is not a habit you want to get into. A double dribble is when you stop dribbling, then start again. When you’ve ceased dribbling, you can just shoot or pass the ball. You’re unable to restart that dribble again. Double dribbling will result in a turnover.
If you are aware that the player with the ball has a weak hand, force the use of that hand. If it is their left hand, come at them and stand on your left foot. Keep your head inline with their shoulders, that way you will be low, and in a good position to take the ball.
If you’re guarding a taller person, try to keep your body between that opponent and the person with the ball. This prevents them from becoming open for passes and makes sure that they do not get the ball, which they would be have the ability to shoot over you.
When you are in control of the ball, you should know when to attempt a shot and when you should pass it to someone with a better shot. You don’t want to be the player that cost your team the game due to your selfishness.
Watch where the ball goes whenever someone releases it. Rebounding will help you win the game. If you cannot recover the ball, it really makes no difference how well you cover an opponent’s missed shot.
Now you have a good idea of what you need to do to improve your game. It’s no cake walk, but basketball isn’t rocket science, either. You can succeed with information and dedication. When you start to play, you should start doing so regularly. You can be a real player in no time.
