Basketball has been universally loved by the young and old for many years. However, only some people understands how to play the game really well. This article can help anyone, no matter their skill level, to improve their game and enjoy the sport much more.
Balance is important when shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. They have just improvised, is all. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.
Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.
Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.
Practice using different types of defenses. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.
If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. These skills require solid footwork.
Playing Faster
Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Avoid playing faster than your abilities allow. You will not be able to control your moves if you play faster than you are able to.
Where are your feet? If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.
In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.
When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This gives you better balance, while keeping you poised toward the basket.
Free Throw Shooting
A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.
Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.
Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up. The guard may think you’ve slowed down and may try to straighten themselves. When that happens, push ahead and run past.
When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. Doing so improves your reaction time with regards to your opponents’ actions. Remain in a correct defensive pose always. When you must break from your stance in order to block shots, make sure to return to form right away.
To create a trapping machine in a standard 2-3 zone, have your two top defenders or your guards wait until point guard is about 10 feet from the time line or midcourt. After he crosses the midcourt line, they should run and trap him. Simultaneously, forwards should block sprint toward wing players. This can cause the point guard to pass the ball in a way that your teammates can easily steal.
Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. This will help you with your basketball game also.
Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball. You need to bend a bit more for this to succeed, but you will be able to traverse the court rapidly while keeping opponents at bay.
If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy diet. Carbs, fats and proteins all keep your energy levels at the right place. Smart thigns to include in your diet are peanut butter, wheat breads, chicken and nuts. Salt and sugars should only been eaten rarely.
Double Dribbling
Double dribbling is a huge no-no. To keep from double dribbling, simply refrain from starting to dribble a second time after you have already stopped dribbling once in that same possession. If dribbling stops, you must pass or shoot the basketball. You can’t start dribbling again. When you do that, it’s called a turnover. It will cause you to have to surrender the ball to the opposing team.
Make your opponent go into the sideline. A player who penetrates the center of the court will have far too many options. If you push your opponent toward the sidelines, their options will be limited.
People from all backgrounds love basketball. Learning the game will not only help you enjoy watching the sport, it will also help you play better. Utilize the techniques discussed in this article to help you better understand the game.