Basketball is such a fun sport and loved by many. That said, it isn’t easy to master. Basketball is a sport that anyone can have fun with. Continue reading to learn how to play the game to the best of your ability.
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. This technique should be practiced often if possible. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.
When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.
Don’t dribble during your drills. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.
Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. The back pass is perfect for this. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.
Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. The core links together all of the extremities and if it isn’t strong, they will be dealing with a limited athletic ability. A strong core helps you jump higher and run faster.
To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. Your palm should touch the ball as little as possible. Fingers should be the only point of contact as you pass or shoot the ball at its target.
Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Do not play beyond you capabilities, however. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.
Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. If you slide onto the baseline, you will lose the ball for being out of bounds. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.
To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.
Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.
A key play on defense is to draw a charge. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This can hurt the other team’s players psychologically and can also be powerful when you’re creating plays.
You should always bend your knees while dribbling. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball. Just a little bending at the knees can make a huge difference in your overall ball control.
You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. An even better way to improve your accuracy is to practice shooting after pulling up from a dribble. Focus on the target when airborne, but never before. Doing so allows you to move more precisely and with greater accuracy.
Make sure your dribble is consistent until you decide to shake up the opposing player. Dribbling somewhat slowly, then suddenly dribbling fast might give you the opening you need to take a shot. Not only the speed change, but the sound change is what confuses them most.
Anticipate where the ball will go. For instance, corner shots usually bounce off the rim, ending up on the opposite side. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.
You should be have ways to alter the path your opponent is planning on taking. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical. That will ensure you control the game.
Take advantage of a player that shows weakness with a particular hand by forcing them to that side. If they’re right handed, step into them using your left foot; this will force them to switch sides. Be prepared to grab the ball by keeping your body low and your head parallel to their torso.
When the person you are tasked with guarding is bigger than you, remain in front of them. In this position you prevent them from receiving a pass and shooting it over your head.
Do you feel ready to show others your game? You might, but you need to practice before you can do that. Bring high energy, motivation and excitement to your game. You should soon see improvements to your skills all thanks to using these tips.