The sport of basketball is beloved by men and women of all ages. Many people enjoy watching the NBA on television, playing on their own teams, or just shooting some hoops at the park. If you would like to play and play well, it pays to practice hard in order to be the best you can be. The following tips will help you take your interest in basketball to a whole new level.
It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Defense is how you win a basketball game. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.
If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. It should be done quickly. Once you master the art of the crossover dribble, you will be able to change directions quicker.
Proper Balance
Proper balance is essential when shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They have just improvised, is all. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.
Constantly practice layups. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.
Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.
Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.
As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.
Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. This routine will help you make your free throws, but make the routine a quick one.
If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball. This gets you the rebound without you committing a foul.
Be sure your vision is unobstructed. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. If you scan the entire court, not just the location of the ball, it is possible to anticipate defense moves in advance and see which teammates are open.
Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Being physically tough is as important as having the stamina to keep up with the game. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. When they become an adult, weight training becomes mandatory.
If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot. Look at your target while you’re in the air, but not before that. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.
If possible, keep the ball below your knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. You need to bend your body somewhat to accomplish this. It will, however, increase your overall effectiveness, as you are making the ball much harder to steal.
The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. You don’t need to push any opponents since that’s a foul, but try using your non-dribbling arm like a separator for keeping the ball safe. This move helps to keep the ball protected and you in control of it.
There are several ways you can improve your basketball skills. Many are simple, like learning a concept and practicing it over and over. Practice is the key to learning anything, so practice often to help improve your game. No matter if you are practicing with teammates or shooting in your own driveway, the work you do is sure to pay dividends.