There’s always room for improvement in basketball. Things change all the time and you have to know that you have to learn more about the sport all the time. Are you interested in having a step-up on your opponents? Continue reading so that you can learn new things that may give you an edge.
Try learning how to hit free throw shots. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. When practicing your free throw, concentrate on where you want the ball to go when it leaves your hands. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.
Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. Many other factors will affect it, too.
Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Trick them using a back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear. Flip your wrist towards the site where you want the ball to go. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.
Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. Avoid this using hand signals to see if they can get the pass. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. You can use this information to improve your game. You can learn a lot by watching how you play and what you need to concentrate practicing on.
Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This helps to maintain balance throughout your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.
In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction. Slip past him, and you can get the ball. In this way you can get the rebound without a foul.
Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.
You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Great peripheral vision is an asset. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.
An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride. Don’t forget not to cross your feet, and you won’t be easy to get around.
It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. In addition, stamina is important to the game, too. Even young kids can improve if they exercise the right way and strengthen their core. Use weights when they get older. The adult years are where strength training is crucial to maintain solid performance on the court.
To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. All the other three point lines are much closer than the NBA line. If you’re able to get the shot from where the NBA shoots, then you can start working from a range further than the defense expects.
Stop Dribbling
Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options. Basically the only move you have at this point is to pivot while finding an opening to move the ball. This makes you open up to people that want to double team you and that means you are also more likely to get the ball stolen.
Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. 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.
If a shot is taken from the corner and missed, the ball typically ends up across the court from the player. Place yourself in position after this shot is made. You can get more rebounds by anticipating the ball trajectory.
One way to force turnovers is to make your opponent change course. Whether you are playing offense or defense, gaining control over the path of your opponent is a critical skill. If you can master this skill then you determine where the ball is going, not your opponent.
As you come down from catching a rebound, land with your legs spread wider than the span of your shoulders to increase your balance. Put one hand on each side of the basketball, and hold it against your chest. Watch your elbows since hitting an opposing player is a foul.
With any luck, you are now ready to attack the court with a new sense of confidence. They are all designed to assist you become a better player. Never give up on the learning process and stay committed to regular practice. Keep these tips in mind and be the best basketball player you can be!