Tips On How To Improve Your Basketball Skills

by | Jan 20, 2022 | Basketball

TIP! Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! You can do this by watching games in person and on television. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.

When you give yourself game goals, you must practice to reach them. You should use your practice time wisely, and follow good advice from experienced teachers. These hints will introduce you to some interesting basketball techniques that you can then practice on the court.

TIP! You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense is essential to winning these games. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

Proper Dribbling

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes.

Learn proper dribbling. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.

TIP! Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. If you slide onto the baseline, you will lose the ball for being out of bounds.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.

TIP! If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Force them out of their comfort zone.

Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Try a back pass. Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. When you know some of the other player’s moves, you’ll have a leg up during a game as you’ll be able to predict what he is going to do. When you are prepared, you play better defense.

TIP! When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent.

Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.

TIP! When dibbling the ball, bend your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. If you find it difficult to continue using your weak hand, make your strong hand unusable. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. The International standard line, as well as college and high school lines are all closer.

Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even little kids who play basketball will develop more overall body strength. When they become teenagers, they can start using weights to increase their exercise. When they become adults, strength training is critical to maintaining solid court performance.

TIP! To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

Keep low as you defend. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you. Hold a defensive stance always. If you break the stance to shot-block, then recover the proper form immediately after the pass or shot.

TIP! Switching up your dribbling rhythm can really throw the defense off. Dribble consistently, then break it up by dribbling fast.

While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. You only need to bend your knees slightly to improve your control of the basketball.

TIP! Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. Attempt to catch the resulting rebound by watching the angle from which it was shot.

Regardless of your skill level in basketball, these tips will help you become even better. Start by mastering one tip and then move on to another. Once you have practiced enough, each and every shot will make a positive impact for the team. This is what separates the professionals from the rookies.