Use These Tips To Become A Better Basketball Player

by | Apr 25, 2023 | Basketball

TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play.

Basketball is very popular. Basketball is universally enjoyable by people who want to play for fun and those who wish to play semi professionally or professionally. Those who play would prefer to become better players and win games. While you can’t win them all, you sure can bring your game to the next level.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

TIP! You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Know your strengths and practice them until you have perfected them.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.

Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

Free Throws

TIP! If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury.

Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Is there something that you excel at? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware.

Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. If you are unprepared, you may lose the match fast.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials.

Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.

TIP! Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

Core Muscles

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot.

If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. A strong core helps the legs move better, like jumping higher and running faster.

TIP! In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Do you have an area where you excel? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Find out how your game appears to others and develop your skills accordingly.

TIP! To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one.

Keep your eye on the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them.

Bettering your game can be done in many ways. Continue to learn new techniques and perfect your skills. Anytime you practice it makes you a better player, and whenever you have the opportunity to do so, do it. Whether it is team practice or practice with your friends, it all works to improve your prowess on the court.