Basketball season is something that people get obsessed with whether they’re playing or just watching. If you play the game and want to get better, you need to put in the work and make a commitment. Every teammate contributes, so taking time to figure out your skills can help you better your game. Start practicing today. Use these tips to make yourself a more valuable asset to your team.
Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. You’ll have a lot more control over the ball this way. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.
Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.
It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. This is simply an improvised move. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.
Play by yourself to practice. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. There’s nothing wrong with that. Solo games can help you immensely. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. Many things can be practiced.
Core Muscles
One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. The core is what holds the body in balance and allows the limbs to work well. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.
To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This gives you better control of the ball. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.
Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.
When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.
Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.
A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. To do this, avoid lurching or stepping across the floor; instead use smaller, shuffling steps to move with your opponent. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.
Bend your knees when dribbling the basketball. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball. Bending your knees will make a big difference in the way you can control the ball.
Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling. If you decide not to shoot or pass, all you can do is pivot on your rear foot. That leaves you wide open to double teaming by your opponents and the potential of a stolen ball goes way up.
When dribbling, use your other arm to create a wall between you and your opponent. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball. Keep this hand up as you’re dribbling the ball with the other.
Practice all types of shots while in different distances and angles. You should first practice on balancing and your grip. It is possible to succeed when shooting in an off-balance way, but the odds do suffer. There is valve located on the basketball which you can use as guide for your grip. Spread your dominant hand’s fingers, and place the center of it over the valve that’s at the the ball’s center.
Maintain strong team camaraderie both on and away from the court. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level. If you think you know each of your teammates really well and trust them, then your game improve, and theirs too.
Clearly, many things exist that can help bolster your game. Better players create better teams, which means lots of happier and larger cheering sections and fan clubs. All of the people involved contribute to the fun of the game. Players have to work hard to better their game. Therefore, keep this information in mind, and be a player everyone loves having on their team.