Basketball is incredibly popular. Whether you’re playing or watching at home, basketball isn’t going anywhere. If you enjoy playing, imagine how much more fun it would be if you were a better player. In this article, we will discuss excellent tips that will help you become the best player possible to help your team win.
Practice hitting your free throws. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. Next, shoot with just the trajectory you saw.
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.
Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. Visit a doctor if you think it’s serious.
Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Is there something that you excel at? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Find out who are the right-handed or left-handed players. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. A smart defensive player is a strong one.
A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.
You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Never assume you can just stand somewhere, catch and then shoot. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.
Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. Like them, push and run past them.
Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.
To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses. If you can make a basket from there, you will open up the defense because they will have to play you closely.
You’ll want to use the hand that you aren’t dribbling with as a barrier to protect the ball. You never want to push the opponent with your hand, but it is possible to use your free hand to secure the ball. Keep your other arm up slightly while you dribble.
Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina. Lifting weights can help you get more muscle. The resulting sense of confidence and power will help when you shoot.
After reading the above article you should be familiar with how to get better at basketball. Many techniques can be mastered easily through repetition. No matter what you are trying to learn, practice makes perfect. You just need a basketball and a hoop. Whether you’re practicing or having a game with friends, the hours add up and will make you a better player.