Basketball isn’t just a sport played in gym or organized leagues. The game can be played at a park or right at home. When you love basketball, use this article to learn as much as you can.
You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. 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.
Practice your layup shot often. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.
Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.
Would you like to fool the opposing team? You should try a back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.
Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This gives you better control of the ball. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.
Defensive Stance
A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride. Don’t ever allow your feet to cross to become a hard player to pass.
If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As they grow and gain skills, they will be even better players. As adults, it will be imperative to maintain a strength training routine.
Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options. If you decide not to shoot a basket or pass the ball on, you are only allowed to pivot on the heal that is furthest back. Once this happens, you are prone to being double-teamed and more likely to turn the ball over.
Your exercise off the court needs to help your game. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. Lifting weights can help you get more muscle. You will develop a confidence and attitude that you make you a better shooter.
Serious basketball players take their diets seriously too. Increase your intake of carbohydrates to boost energy levels. You should also consume protein and a limited amount of fat. Some good things to add to a diet would be peanut butter, nuts, chicken, and wheat breads. Stay away from salt and sugar as much as possible.
When catching a rebound, be sure to land with legs that are spread wider than your shoulder span, to help keep your balance. Place your hands on both sides of the basketball while holding it close against your chest. Watch your elbows; a foul will be called if you hit a member of the other team.
Try to calm your nerves in order to become a top-notch scorer. Concentrate on the basket. Look at the backboard when you shoot. But if you want to do a layup, just pay attention to where you need to bounce the ball on the back board.
No matter what type of basketball game you like to play, the better your skill level, the more you will enjoy your game. If you are going to invest the time into reading this article, you surely want to put your new knowledge into action. As long as you’re learning, you’ll be improving your game.