New Tips To Improve Your Basketball Game

by | Apr 15, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! Practice your free throw shot. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

The exciting pace of basketball is a key reason it is so loved. However, there are certain things you must know if you are going to play. The tips below will help you master your technique.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

TIP! Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist.

Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. Don’t fret! There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. There’s always some work to do.

Solid Footwork

TIP! Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury.

You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Whether you are passing or shooting the ball, your fingers are the only part of your hand that should be touching the ball.

TIP! Keep your eye on the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. Steady drilling will help speed up your play. Don’t try playing fast until you can. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles.

Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Did you spot something that could be improved? Honestly and openly assess your own performance. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.

TIP! Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court.

Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

TIP! Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. You are limited once you cease dribbling. If you decide that you cannot shoot or pass the ball, all you can do is pivot onto the back foot. That leaves you wide open to double teaming by your opponents and the potential of a stolen ball goes way up.

TIP! Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling.

Be sure to be well acquainted with your team mates so that you can all work well in cooperation. Basketball is a sport played by a team. Offense and defense aren’t 1 on 1. You all help each other out. Be vocal on the court to form better communication with your teammates for play.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.

Your diet plays a major role in your health and success on the basketball court. Complex carbohydrates and protein will give you energy to ensure that you get through a long, fast-paced basketball game. One way to keep your body in basketball shape is to incorporated grains and proteins into your diet. Try to reduce your salt and sugar intake, though.

TIP! Whether you keep possession of the ball or not is based in your position just before and right after a rebound. If you wish to have better balance and power, then make sure you use both feet when you jump.

You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. It does not matter if you are on offense or defense, being able to control where the opposing player goes is very important. This allows you to go where you need to go and does not let them determine your path.

TIP! Practice your pivoting skills to improve your performance on the court. You must practice your footwork until pivoting correctly is second nature.

Basketball can be one the most fun sports to play, but you must know the basics. This article has shown you that you also need to know a few things about the sport if you wish to play it well. Use the information above to become a great basketball player.