Practice is the most crucial key to improving your game. However, it is of utmost importance that you make sure you are practicing correctly. You will also find out which skills are most important.
Crossover Dribble
You should practice your crossovers a lot. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.
You need good balance when you shoot. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. They have just improvised, is all. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.
You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. Each player has their strengths and you can learn a lot from each one.
If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.
If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. You will want to keep extra attention on areas that could improve your position as well.
Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. Remember which player shoots left and which shoots right. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.
To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.
Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.
Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move. Stay aggressive. Never let them control the game plays. If you allow this, they will run over you. Instead, take the initiative and disrupt their rhythm.
If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. 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. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.
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. A bit of a bend will boost your control.
Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Sprints help you gain skill in individual plays, while running longer distances will increase your stamina. Working out with weights helps to improve your muscles and the physical part of the game. You will be able to shoot well with this confidence and aggression.
To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. Basketball is nothing if not a team sport. Playing with the same teammates often helps you understand what they are thinking. You have to help each other. Communicate with your team and you will have more success.
Maintain a rhythm to the dribble until you are ready to surprise the opponent. You can for instance suddenly speed up your dribbling to get past an opponent and get the edge you need for a shot. When they are focused on stealing the ball, your change in rhythm can really throw them off.
Build a sense of teamwork both off and on the court. Basketball teams can achieve greatness when the whole team blends cohesively. If you think you know each of your teammates really well and trust them, then your game improve, and theirs too.
Watch where the ball goes whenever someone releases it. Rebounds are terribly important to the game. Gaining possession on a turnover is always going to be a positive for your team.
When dribbling the basketball you should focus on how hard you’re bouncing the ball in practice. When you hard bounce the ball, it’ll move fast and stay protected. Try dribbling as hard as possible.
It doesn’t matter how often you play basketball, the tips in this article will better your game every time you play. Take it one step at a time to help you improve your game. You can pass better, shoot better, rebound and make sure you get better all the time.