Practice is the best way to build your skills. You should use your practice time wisely, and follow good advice from experienced teachers. The tips here are going to help you get the ball into the net every time.
If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.
You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. A smart defensive player is a strong one.
Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. If you walk without dribbling, you will be called for walking and this will result in a turnover. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.
Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.
The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. Use aggression with your moves. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Rather, you move first so that you interfere with their rhythm.
Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim. This allows you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.
If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them. While that is happening, your forwards should race out to the opposing wing players. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.
When dibbling the ball, bend your knees. It makes it much easier to control the ball while dribbling as opposed to standing straight up, which makes controlling the ball much harder. Just bending a little bit at your knees can really help you to control the ball better.
Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited. You can’t do anything but pivot if you don’t shoot or pass. This situation leaves you vulnerable to a double team by the defense, and you risk losing the ball.
Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. You must know how to dribble the ball no matter what your body is doing. Not being able to do this leaves you open for the ball to be stolen.
Avoid dribbling above your knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. You will have to bend a little to make this happen, but it will keep you moving down the court quickly, especially since you are thwarting everyone trying to get to you.
You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. You never want to push the opponent with your hand, but it is possible to use your free hand to secure the ball. Keep it up and dribble with your other hand.
Use workouts to better your game. Sprint running can help improve on-court speed, while distance running is sure to boost your stamina. Build up your core muscles and the strength in your forearms. Practicing will also build your confidence when shooting.
Foster a positive relationship with your team members regardless of whether you are playing or practicing. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level. When you feel like your team is part of your family, you have mutual trust. This bond will bring your game to new levels.
To succeed in basketball you should learn how to change the path of your opponent. Whether you’re playing offense or defense, controlling what the other player does is essential. This allows you to go where you need to go and does not let them determine your path.
Passing should be an integral part of your game. Passing will confuse opponents. Your teammates will be happy when you prove you’re about the team. You’ll always be able to show off your abilities. That time will come; just be patient and allow others to shine as well.
No matter how frequently you play, these tips improve your game. Start using a tip and see how much better your game gets. With this knowledge, you can improve rebounding, passing, shooting, and other important moves.