What all should you know about basketball as a sport? What do you need to get down to be the best player that you can be? The knowledge found in this article will help you master the game.
Balance is important when shooting. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. Those who do this are improvising. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.
Practice layups often. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
Errant Passes
Make sure to practice catching passes. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.
Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.
In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.
Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.
Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.
Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This helps to maintain balance throughout your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.
Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.
Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.
Did these tips help answer some of your basketball questions? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Can you imagine yourself really improving your game now? Keep going, keep practicing, and using these tips to better your results.