What Basketball Information? Read This Helpful Article
Basketball is a uniquely American sport, but it is now one that is enjoyed by people around the world. It is played in virtually every country on Earth. One great thing about basketball is how easy it is to get started playing. Keep reading for some tips to improve your skills on the court.
One of the first things you need to learn when it comes to basketball is how to guard the ball. To help develop the skills needed for this, ask your friends for a friendly game of basketball. Invite some players who are skilled to teach you how to guard the ball.
Work on becoming a more clever basketball player, rather than trying to master a few clever plays. Your opponents will eventually figure out your plays, but will have difficulty if they cannot anticipate your overall playing ability. Learn to be surprising, quick thinking and more agile in your ability to get the ball and work the court.
When learning to dribble, you need to learn to dribble with both hands. This is important because you may have to switch hands when dribbling during a game. Also, learn to dribble behind your back and between an opponent’s legs. This may seem silly, but you may actually use this technique.
Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.
Moving without the ball is an important skill to master if you want to become a better scorer. Standing still while on offense just makes you that much easier to guard. Instead, you should stay active and constantly be moving around. You’ll not only wear down your opponent, but you’ll also get more open shots.
Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork is key.
If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.
When it comes to making the shot, the key is to hold the ball the right way. Practice makes perfect, so hold your hands like they are claws and space out your fingers. Hold the ball with your fingers, not your palm. Hold the ball in your hand while watching TV to build your muscles.
You need to take a charge anytime you can. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul. That can be psychologically disturbing, and is a power play.
Don’t think that a shot has to be perfect to be taken. A lot of good shooters constantly remind themselves that the standard goal is large enough to take in two balls at once. There’s also a backboard that sometimes gives a lucky bounce. That leaves a good margin for error where you can make a less than perfect shot and still get points.
To help your muscles get used to the change of pace in dribbling during a regular game, do 10-5 drills. Soft dribble for 5 seconds, then power dribble for 10. Do it these drills a number of times on each hand. That way, the muscles in your arms will be prepared to change pace as quickly as you need to.
To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. This will likely cause the point guard to make a high, short pass, which your forwards will steal quite easily.
Basketball is a fun game for all ages. It allows you to get a great workout while having fun with others who enjoy it as much as you do. This article has given you some great tips to help you become a better player, so make use of them as soon as possible.
