Well, now you are about to learn about playing basketball. You are a player; you love the game. However, you cannot know everything there is to know about basketball, and all good players are aware of that fact. With that knowledge in mind, you are likely to be taught a tip or two that you did not know before. Continue to read to see how this information can improve your game.
Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is how you win a basketball game. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.
Dribble the ball correctly. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. You should always look upwards instead of at the ground.
Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. The following technique should be practiced often. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. You should then shoot and try following the trajectory you visualized.
Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take you ball with you everywhere. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.
Practice using different types of defenses. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.
A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.
If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.
It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. This technique can really throw off defenders.
Opposite Direction
Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. By looking in the opposite direction, your teammate has a few extra seconds to make the shot. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.
You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. When you are guarding, do so aggressively. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Rather, you move first so that you interfere with their rhythm.
You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.
Do not release your defensive stance. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Remember not to let yourself get crossed up with your feet, which will throw off your balance, making it easier to get around you.
Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. You can’t do anything but pivot if you don’t shoot or pass. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.
Practice dribbling as you sway your body from side to side. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling. You may see an open court but there are opponents ready to swarm you. You must know how to dribble effectively by leaning your body in both directions. It will help you when you need it most.
If it is possible, keep all action below the knee. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.
Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Both the speed and the sound will contribute to confusing the player that is guarding you.
Using the information you got here, you can hit the court with new-found energy. It’s fun to apply new tips to the court. Don’t forget everything you’ve just learned. Basketball is fun to play and it’s a great sport to be a part of.