The number of people that have enjoyed watching and playing basketball can’t be overstated. Regardless of your understanding of basketball, there is always room to gain more knowledge of the sport. Keep reading for some awesome advice that most any basketball player or fan can use.
It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense can make or break a basketball game. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. Always have a basketball handy. Walking to your mailbox? Dribble the ball. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.
Improving your balance means improving your shots. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. These players are using creative improvisation. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.
Perfect your bounce pass. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. Of course, there are also other factors involved.
Practice the skill of pass catching. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.
Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing a back pass! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Then, bring the ball back behind you. Quickly flick with your wrist in the direction you want to pass the ball. It can be a dangerous maneuver that catches the other team off guard.
Play games against yourself in and out of season. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. It’s okay! You can still practice when playing alone. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always find things to work on.
One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. Smart defenders are good defenders.
When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.
You need to be quick to play good basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. Do not play beyond you capabilities, however. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.
Be slick with your feet so you can get a rebound from a teammate. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. By doing this, you can increase your chance to get the rebound despite starting in a disadvantageous position.
A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides. That translates to smooth layups during fast breaks.
Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Stay in a defensive stance. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.
When you dribble, bend your knees. Standing straight makes it hard to control the ball. Merely bending your knees a bit can provide you with much better ball control.
Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game. Lifting weights and doing resistance training is going to help you to build muscle to take shots. The confidence and adrenaline that builds don’t hurt either.
Stay in communication with your teammates. In order to win games, you have to work together as a team. Playing with the same teammates often helps you understand what they are thinking. You have to help each other. Talk to your teammates when you need help, so that you’re all on the same page.
The game of basketball is one that offers great exercise to play and lots of enjoyment to watch. But, if you really want to make the most of the game, then it helps to know something about the game. This article is a great resource for accomplishing that.