The game of hoops was created by Dr. James Naismith back in 1891. Since that time, it has grown into a sport beloved by many people. Basketball has made many celebrities out of its players, from Shaq, to Magic Johnson. From Kareem Abdul Jabaar to Michael Jordan and Ervin “Magic” Johnson, it has truly become a game of celebrities. If you’re wanting to know what goes into becoming a good basketball player, keep reading this article.
Correct dribbling is key. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.
Paying Attention
Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.
Free throws are mental as well as physical. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Relax and focus on your shot, and you can make it.
One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.
Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.
Zone Defense
Do not only practice zone defense plays. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works. Practice with each type of defense so you will know what to expect.
When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Trying to play through the pain could just cause more damage. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.
Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.
Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.
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. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.
Workout to increase flexibility and strength in your hands and forearms. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. Motion is key to being successful on the court.
To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. 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.
In order to play a game of regulation basketball, you need a court that almost measures a football field, a hoop ten feet in height and ten players. If you desire to become an amazing player, you need the right knowledge. The tips here will help, but continue reading to find out as much as you can.