Playing Basketball: How To Improve Your Game

by | May 12, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is what wins basketball games.

Basketball is something that can be played by men or women. People of any age or gender enjoy playing this exciting game. Show your friends your moves when you play basketball with them again. I’m sure you’re wondering what moves I’m talking about. Continue reading this article to learn new things that you can try.

TIP! Practice shooting free throws. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games. The offense gets lots of attention, but if the defense is lacking no basketball team will ever win a game.

TIP! If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This is when you switch hands while dribbling.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. Always dribble to your side, not your front. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.

TIP! There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will.

Get good at making free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Use this technique to better your game. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. When you shoot, keep the visualized trajectory in mind.

TIP! Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Keep your head up when you dribble. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Bring your ball along when you go out. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Trick them using a back pass. To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Understand your opponent. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.

Accurate Passes

TIP! You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable.

Don’t dribble during your drills. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. It may seem nearly impossible at first, but over time your team will learn to throw accurate passes and be in good position to receive them.

TIP! Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed.

Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! In order to improve your weaker hand, make use of it for everyday things, such as brushing your teeth, eating out of a spoon, etc. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Both skills rely on some solid footwork.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. Remember that high school, college and international standard lines are all shorter than the NBA distance.

Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! To make your shooting skills better, shoot from all around the court. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot.

Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling.

Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

TIP! In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed.

Look away when you practice passing. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. This will give the person that you passed the ball to a chance to make their move before your opponent can correct from their mix up. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! Always practice from all spots on the court. Practice your grip and proper balance.

As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.

TIP! It is important to take your diet seriously if you want to be the best player you can be. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, along with some fats and protein.

You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them. Concurrently, have forwards go to the wings. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

TIP! It is necessary for you to change the path of your opponent. No matter what position you play, the ability to control other players is essential.

For your weaker hand, to build skills, use it off-court for as much as you can, from brushing teeth to opening jars. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand. Keeping your opponents on their toes is an important part of basketball.

TIP! You don’t want to double dribble while on the court. Double dribbling occurs after a pause in dribbling.

Since reading these tips, you should be confident in your basketball skills. You can now impress your friends with the secrets that you’ve learned. This is supposed to be a fun game! Whatever the case may be, it is fun to win the game.