Basketball is fun, fast-paced and sometimes frustrating. Still, if you want to be good at basketball, there are a few pieces of advice you should take to heart. The tips below will help you master your technique.
Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.
Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. Taking a shot when you are off balance will probably lead to a turnover. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.
Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.
You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.
Avoid errant passes by using hand signals. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.
A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court. If you walk without dribbling, you will be called for walking and this will result in a turnover. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.
Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. When looking at the tape, don’t be too critical, but be honest. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.
To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Keep it simple and consistent, and the routine will become a part of your muscle memory.
If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Go forwards and backwards with the ball to practice bouncing it. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.
As this article has proven to you, basketball is one of the most enjoyable sports in the whole world. To play in the manner of a professional, you need to have a great deal of knowledge. Follow these tips to enhance your game and play at the top of your ability.