Lots of people love to play basketball a lot because it’s exciting and fast-paced. There are a few important things to keep in mind when playing ball. Read these tips to turn your weaknesses into strengths and be the best player possible.
Correct dribbling is key. Use fingertips to dribble. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Keeping the ball to your side will help it from getting in the way. Keep your eyes up, not on the ground.
You should practice pass catching regularly. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Learn how to catch any sort of throw.
When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. You might see a decrease in your goal percentages if your biceps become too large.
Need to dupe the opposition? Try a pass back! To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This should help to trick the other team.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. You can avoid this by using hand signals if a player is able to take a pass. No signal, no pass.
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. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.
Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Keep an eye open for easy shots.
Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.
Do drills where you try and get the basketball up a full-court in five dribbles or less. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.
A great way to stay in a correct defensive stance is to always stay in position no matter what. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.
When playing defense, always try to stay low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Always maintain a defensive position during game play. When you break your stance to block, return to proper form as quick as you can.
If you want a 2-3 zone to be turned into a machine that traps, your two defenders that are guarding should wait until your point guard is around ten feet past mid court. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. While that is happening, your forwards should race out to the opposing wing players. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.
Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. This will lower the chances of your opponent being able to steal the ball. You need to bend a bit more for this to succeed, but you will be able to traverse the court rapidly while keeping opponents at bay.
Keep dribbling in a particular rhythm until you think it’s time to trick the opponent. Changing your pace can confuse them. Even a slight change in the sound the ball makes when you dribble can throw another player off balance.
Practice various shots from various places on the court. You should first practice on balancing and your grip. Off-balance shooting can happen, but it’s not as accurate. Perfect your grip by using the basketball valve. Spread the fingers on your writing hand, and cover the valve with your palm.
As you have learned, basketball is enjoyed by a lot of people in the world. This article has shown you that you also need to know a few things about the sport if you wish to play it well. These tips will ensure you grow as a player.