Playing Basketball Is Fun And A Great Workout

by | Dec 19, 2022 | Basketball

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

It is hard to forget the first time you played basketball. You learned to get the ball around from player to basket. Today, it may feel like you’re someone who knows everything about the game. But these tips here may show you a few new tricks!

TIP! Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

Correct dribbling is key. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

TIP! It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. If order for the maneuver to be a success, it has to be performed with speed. When done properly, crossover dribbling is a great way to quickly switch direction or move around the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction.

Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. You will want to keep extra attention on areas that could improve your position as well.

TIP! If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it.

Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. If you know their game, you can defend against it. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

TIP! A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team.

Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot. Be sure you look at the target as you’re in mid air. That helps you boost your accuracy.

TIP! If possible, keep action beneath the knees. This will lower the chances of your opponent being able to steal the ball.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense. 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. That will allow your opponents to double team you and potentially steal the ball.

TIP! If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. Increase your intake of carbohydrates to boost energy levels.

There’s always room for improvement in basketball. So, set some goals and practice with all your might. Combining your strategy with these tips can really have you improving very quickly!