When you first played the game of basketball, it was a whole new world. You probably learned how to dribble the ball and make a shot. Now, you might even feel as though you have mastered the sport. There is still a lot more to learn, and the following tips will show you how.
Practice shooting free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. You should practice as often as possible with this technique. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.
You need good balance when you shoot. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. You need to maintain good balance while shooting, which is sure to produce greater consistency.
If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!
You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.
Work on catching passes frequently. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. When a game is underway, not every throw will be perfect. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.
Practicing Alone
Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. There’s nothing wrong with that. You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.
Hand signals can help you to stay away from making bad passes. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket. This can be prevented through the use of hand signals. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.
You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.
Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.
Free Throw
If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.
Practice passing while looking in other directions. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.
Can you see well? This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Great peripheral vision is an asset. If you look across the whole game and not just focus on the ball, you can see oncoming defensive pressure in advance, as well as open teammates.
Strength Training
Strength training can improve your game. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. When they become teens, try using weights to keep enhancing their exercises. Strength training is essential once you reach the adult years.
Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you. You will need to bend somewhat for this to happen, but it’ll allow you to move quickly down the court as you ward off your opponents.
Use whatever hand you aren’t dribbling with as a shield between the ball and your opponent. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe. Just keep it raised a little while you dribble with your dribbling hand.
A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. Basketball is considered a team sport. Offense and defense aren’t up to the individual. You have to help everyone out. When everyone works together, you can play better as a team.
With all of the knowledge you have in front of you now, only you can decide your future. Set your personal goals and practice to boost your skills. Put putting these tips to use, along with your plan, you will notice the difference in your game.