Playing Like A Professional: What You Need To Know About Basketball

by | Jul 3, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! Learn proper dribbling. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

Do you want to learn about basketball? You are certainly not alone. Most basketball fans wonder about the techniques the pros use to play so well. The following article will give you tips used by pros.

TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.

TIP! A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. These players are using creative improvisation. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.

TIP! Never practice only against the zone. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

TIP! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Even though having strong muscles is great for the inside game, being on the outside it can harm you when shooting the ball. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Keep your palm off the ball too. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

TIP! Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Work on core strength when you work out. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots.

Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. Doing so can cause the game to spin out of control as turnovers and faulty passes are made.

TIP! Do not release your defensive stance. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him.

To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Keep the lines of communication with other players open. Basketball is considered a team sport.

If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand. It can be a momentum changer by making the other team think twice about dribbling the ball into the lane.

TIP! Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. Dribbling somewhat slowly, then suddenly dribbling fast might give you the opening you need to take a shot.

If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. This will show in your next match.

TIP! Practice shooting the ball from many different areas in order to improve your ability. The first thing you should do is practice your grip and balance.

If you want to improve your three-point shooting, try and do it from the NBA distance, at a minimum. All the other lines are closer. If you make your shots from where the NBA players shoot, you will improve your skills and increase your range.

TIP! You should be have ways to alter the path your opponent is planning on taking. It does not matter if you are on offense or defense, being able to control where the opposing player goes is very important.

Use your non-dribbling hand as a barrier between your opponent and the ball. It’s a foul to push your opponents, but using your arm as a barrier is allowed and will help you to secure the ball. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! Where you are standing on the court can make a difference as to whether you get a rebound. Use both feet to jump up to create more force and quickly snatch the ball, grabbing it with two hands.

Your off-court practice should mimic your on-court playing. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game. Weightlifting or resistance training improves your muscle tone. Building your muscles and your confidence will help you game in many ways.

TIP! If you’re trying to guard a person that’s bigger than you are, try keeping between that person and the one in possession of the ball. This will prevent them from getting an easy pass and stop them from shooting the ball right over your head.

Diet is essential when it comes to playing ball. Complex carbohydrates and protein will give you energy to ensure that you get through a long, fast-paced basketball game. Improve your game through improving your diet. Good choices include chicken, whole wheat, peanut butter, and other nut based foods. Stay away from salt and sugar as much as possible.

TIP! Always pay attention to where the ball goes once your teammate or your opponent sends it out of their hands. Rebounds are an integral part of the game.

Your position immediately before and after a rebound can help determine whether or not you will keep possession. Jump using both feet for increased power and stability and grab the ball using both hands. Once you grab the ball, spread your feet out wide as you land to help maintain balance while also keeping the ball tight to your chest.

TIP! Learning to pivot is important when playing basketball. You must practice your footwork until pivoting correctly is second nature.

The bottom line is that while you may like basketball a whole lot, it may be that you lacked some key information about it before today. However, with the tips above, you can now step out on the court with more confidence. Therefore, take this advice with you, go out and play a game!