If you’ve ever thought about becoming a great basketball player, you will have seen that it takes a lot of practice and dedication. Even if you’re only playing for enjoyment, you wanna be the best, right? The following tips will help you improve your game.
You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.
Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Look up and never down at the ground.
Find out how to make free throw shots. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Use this technique to better your game. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Next, take your shot seeing the ball move in the trajectory you envisaged for it.
Bounce Pass
It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. There are many factors which come into play, though.
Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.
Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. Try to line your dominant shoulder up with the rim.
Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.
You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Other players should not influence the plays you make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. You will have the guard think that you’re slowing down. In turn, they will straighten themselves. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.
Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As they age, begin adding weights to their exercise routine. Playing as an adult, it is important that you focus on your stamina for optimal performance.
To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Just keep it up slightly while dribbling with the other hand.
If you want to play better, communicate with your teammates so you know what they intend to do. A good basketball team consists of players who understand that this is not an individual sport. That means offense and defense aren’t one on one. Be there for your teammates is important. You must communicate with your teammates so that you can all play better.
You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. Whether you are playing offense or defense, it is important to control the moves of your opponent. This enables you to get to the spot that you need to get to without letting your opponents control you.
You will be more balanced when landing after catching a rebound if you will land with legs spaced wider than shoulder-width apart. You want to bring the ball tight into your body with both hands. Take care with elbows, since it is a foul if you strike someone on the opposing team.
Now, it’s time to take action, utilizing the various tips and techniques that have been talked about in this article. As you work on your skills, they will improve bit by bit. These steps will guarantee your improvement.