Basketball has always been a loved sport, and so while the game is a competition, it is also fun. When you want to master this game, practice is key. Don’t stop reading just yet because the following article is going to provide you with a few important pieces of basketball advice.
Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.
To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. 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. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.
Practice your bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. There are many factors which come into play, though.
In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Are you great at any one thing? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.
Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.
Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Don’t let your palms touch it. When you’re shooting or passing, the only place the ball should touch your hand is on your fingers.
In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.
Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This may seem quite difficult at first, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have great speed and stride length. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.
Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. 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.
If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.
One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.
Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up. This will cause the guard to believe you are slowing, and it will also cause them to straighten up. When that happens, rush forward and power past them.
To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. Their point guard will probably hurl a pass that is easy for your own forwards to steal.
Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. Going through the court will be easier if you can quickly adjust your direction without interrupting your dribbling. It can help you get out of a jam.
Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage. It’s not just about going fast, it’s about changing the sound so the person gets a little confused.
By learning important tips and taking them to the practice court, eventually you will see how much better you get at this game. Learn as much as you can from videos and articles to enhance your skills. The more you learn, the better your game will be.