Are you ready to learn about basketball? Maybe you play basketball and you adore this sport. Yet you do not know all there is to know about being a good basketball player. This article helps you learn a few things. Continue reading to learn what you can do to be a better player.
Always work on your layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.
Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You will quickly notice all the different skills that they have which makes them a great player, then take what you learned and use it to help improve your own game.
Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. The key to this relies on having good footwork.
Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.
Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball. Never assume you can just stand somewhere, catch and then shoot. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.
To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.
Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge. If you master this, you will be able to quickly take layups.
Don’t leave your defensive stance. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.
Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up. This will cause the guard to believe you are slowing, and it will also cause them to straighten up. When that happens, push ahead and run past.
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. This is when they should trap him. Your forwards should then go cover the wing players. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.
When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. If you are standing straight, you will have a harder time controlling the ball and your opponent will be able to steal it more easily. You only need to bend your knees slightly to improve your control of the basketball.
If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. If you’re playing regularly, you need energy-loaded carbs as well as some fat and protein. Good additions to your daily diet include whole grain bread, lean chicken and nuts. Try not to use too much salt or sugar.
Always know the angles the ball is likely to take if it misses a goal. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.
By using this advice, you ought to have a renewed enthusiasm for the game. Learning can be fun, especially if you love what you are learning. Keep these tips in mind to show others what you know. Have fun playing basketball!