Basketball is not a particularly complex game and the rules are simple to understand. You can learn the basics in less than a day. But the finer points are what the game is all about, and if you would like to know more than check out this advice to get started.
Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.
Core Muscles
One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. A knowledgeable defender is a strong defender.
Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. You can use this information to improve your game. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.
Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.
In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. Doing this lets you get a rebound freely and not commit a foul in the process.
You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.
Don’t leave 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. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.
Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. You’ll find it becomes more controllable. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.
To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. All other distance lines, high school, college and International, are not as far. If you make your shots from where the NBA players shoot, you will improve your skills and increase your range.
To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot. Avoid looking at your target until you are in the air. This will mimic game conditions and help improve your accuracy.
Maybe you are just starting out with basketball when you read this article. Or, perhaps you have been on the court since a young age. No matter what, the tips in the article above are great for helping you improve. Use this advice when you get on the court next time.