The sport of basketball is so much more than a casual game here and there. It is a game that can be played in the neighborhood and even on your driveway. If shooting hoops is your thing, then you need to take some time out to read through the content that’s presented below.
It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player. This should be something you do quickly. Once you master the art of the crossover dribble, you will be able to change directions quicker.
Practice your bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. There are, however, other factors that influence the pass.
Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.
If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
How would you like to trick the opposing team? You should try a back pass. Hold the basketball with your writing hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. This should be helpful in tricking them team.
Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. That is not a problem. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. You can practice free throws or pivot moves. There’s always some work to do.
Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.
To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.
Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. Doing this lets you get a rebound freely and not commit a foul in the process.
Be sure that your site is good. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply. You have to build your peripheral vision. If you’re looking around the whole court and not only at the ball, you’ll be able to look to the defense to see if pressure is coming and you can see who’s open.
When you have the chance, take charge. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.
Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. When they do, push ahead hard and outrun them.
Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something. You must always utilize the proper defensive stance. If you need to block the opposing team’s shot, resume your stance as soon as you can.
As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him. While this is going on your forwards can be sprinting to the players located on the wings. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.
Dribble the ball below knee level. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.
To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. This keeps your opponent from being able to steal the ball. Try to keep your arm around the same height as the apex of your dribble.
Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. For example, you can improve individual plays with sprinting. You can improve overall game performance and endurance with long distance running. Lifting weights can help you get more muscle. You will develop a confidence and attitude that you make you a better shooter.
Whether it is a pick-up game, H.O.R.S.E. or a competition, becoming a better player will help you have more fun when you play basketball. Now that you’ve read all the way through this article, put it to good use! As you learn more, you play better.