Practice is the most crucial key to improving your game. Make sure you perform drills correctly and keep working on an exercise until you get it right every time. Use these tips to take your game to levels you never though possible before. You can do it.
Practice your defense more than your offense. Basketball games are often won by the defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Walking to your mailbox? Dribble the ball. Maintaining unbroken visual contact with the ball makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings.
Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.
A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
Free throws are mental as well as physical. You must train both your body and your mind. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.
One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Go to actual games or watch on TV. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.
Don’t let the ball go behind your back. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Know the dominant hand of every player. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. The strongest defenders are those who have information.
Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. 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.
Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.
Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.
Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. Once they slow their momentum, you can shoot past them with a burst of speed.
Whether you simply enjoy basket or live, breath, and eat the sport, you are sure to find value in what you’ve read. Use a single tip at a time and incorporate it into your game play. Make all your shots count and soon you will be passing and rebounding like a pro too.
