Basketball is an old sport, originating with Dr. James Naismith, way back in 1891. Since its invention, it has became a very popular sport. There were many great basketball players. J to Magic Johnson, it has made celebrities out of its best players. To learn from the experts, keep reading.
While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.
Make sure to dribble properly. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. This allows you to control the ball better. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.
Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.
Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.
Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.
Build your core strength and work on your footwork. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.
Shooting Slump
Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.
Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. But do not try to play faster than you are able. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.
If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.
Dribbling Skills
To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.
In order to play, all you need is 9 more players, a hoop measured out at 10 feet, and a court that is nearly 100 feet in length. A thorough understanding is critical in order to play with skill. This article is just a starting point; keep on reading and practicing your skills.