Want To Be A Better Basketball Player? Read These Tips.

by | Aug 25, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. 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.

It’s important to do research about basketball before you start playing. Great basketball players are not born that way, they work at being better players and continue to learn and practice. This article will teach you the basics so you can get up to speed on the game of basketball.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. The action must be very swift if it is to be successful. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

Bounce Pass

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? The back pass is perfect for this. To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand.

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important.

Do you want to fool the other team? Try the back pass. Hold the ball using your dominant hand. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back. Finally, flick your wrist towards the direction in which you wish that ball to travel. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else.

When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent.

Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! Be sly on your soles to catch rebounds from free-throws your own team members are making. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them.

You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength.

A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Don’t let them get comfortable. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Other players should not influence the plays you make. If don’t play aggressively, you opponent will run you down. Make your moves first and end their patterns.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you.

Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride. You will find that it becomes easier to score and make layups.

TIP! If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. The International standard line, as well as college and high school lines are all closer.

Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. Once they slow their momentum, you can shoot past them with a burst of speed.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling.

You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. In this way, you can simulate the conditions of the game and become more accurate.

TIP! The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Basketball is played by a team.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited. If you can’t shoot or pass, then you will have to pivot with your back foot. The chances of the ball being stolen is high, and you might be double teamed as well.

TIP! Be sure to practice shooting from a variety of spots on the court. Practice your grip and proper balance.

Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. It is a sport that requires team work. Offense and defense aren’t 1 on 1. Everyone assists each other. Constantly let your teammates know when you are open or in need of some assistance.

TIP! Avoid double dribbling. Double dribbling occurs after a pause in dribbling.

If someone shoots from the corner of the basketball court and misses, it will bounce over the net onto the opposite side. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.

TIP! If you are aware of a weakness in one of your opponent’s hands, make them work with that side. Use your body position to make the opponent move in a direction that is not as strong.

Make sure that you are not stressed when shooting. Focus on the basketball hoop. Specifically, keep your eyes trained on the rim’s back. However, when making a lay-up, focus sharply on the section of the backboard where you will bank the ball.

TIP! To be very good at basketball you need to learn how to pivot. You must practice footwork so you can pivot without a thought and never become confused or entangled.

Build your passing game. Passing helps confuse the opponent. Also, it demonstrates your commitment to teamwork, and your teammates will be grateful. You will have a chance to showcase your abilities at some point. It will come, so be patient and help others shine too.

TIP! When you’re playing defense, one of the best things you can do is force your opponent to the sideline. Allowing your opponents to drive down the middle lets them have a wide array of possible plays.

For advanced basketball players, dribbling becomes a mental as well as a physical task. You must be in control of the way the basketball spins, the force with which it reaches the ground, and where it lands. Change your momentum and shift your body to keep your defenders on their toes.

TIP! Work on footwork. You should know where to place each foot as you pivot or play a certain position.

When you’re able to fix something on your own, you feel pride in what you have accomplished. It pales in comparison to the feeling you’ll have when you learn how to play basketball well, however. Not only will you beginning more, but you’ll show your teammates how good you are.