If you feel like you could benefit from some advice about bettering your basketball game, this article can help you. It’s time to lace up and get out there to make improvements each time you practice. Even if you just play for fun, wouldn’t you like to stop the defense or be able to better make that shot?
When you’re passing the ball, make sure that you pass the ball to the location of where the person should be headed. You don’t want your pass to be the reason a person needs to slow down or double back. Your pass should be aimed for a little bit in front of the person that you are passing to.
Improving your flexibility will greatly help you during a game. If you’re flexible, you’ll be able to move around defenders better. Flexibility will help you to move better when you’re being blocked. You’ll be able to do more moves than others which will result in you getting the change to score or pass freely without being blocked.
When playing basketball, remember that you are playing on a team. Don’t be a “ball hog.” A team is like a support system and your teammates are there to help you and you should be there to help them. The objective of the game is to work together to beat the opponent.
Work on becoming a more clever basketball player, rather than trying to master a few clever plays. Your opponents will eventually figure out your plays, but will have difficulty if they cannot anticipate your overall playing ability. Learn to be surprising, quick thinking and more agile in your ability to get the ball and work the court.
Picking the right basketball shoe can be very important to your game. If you need support for your ankles, choose a high top sneaker. Make sure that the sole of the shoe has enough traction to prevent slipping. Always buy a shoe that is the correct size by having your feet measured at a sporting goods store.
If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.
To give yourself a big advantage in any game of basketball, study the moves of your opponents. Players often have certain moves that they repeat or a certain approach that they favor. If you can make a plan to disarm their favorite move or approach, you can often outplay them.
Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.
To be a great basketball player, you have to make the ball part of your body. It may seem silly but roll it in your hands, dribble in the driveway, go for walks with it and take it with you wherever you go. The more time that ball spends attached to your body, the harder it will be for defenders to take it from you on the court.
If you’re playing the guard position, having good court vision is an absolute key to success. You should always keep your eyes moving and focus on what’s happening around you. Learn how to dribble the ball with your head up. Looking down while dribbling will mean you can’t see what’s happening on the court.
The only thing you should ever pay attention to outside of the rectangle of the court is your coach yelling. Don’t mind what the fans are cheering or booing, or even how many people are in attendance. Certainly never listen to your parents. Your coach let you on the team and decides your playing time, not mom and dad.
Take care of your feet. Your feet are important to your game so take the time to make sue they are taken care of properly. Even something as seemingly silly as an ingrown toenail can become a major pain issue if not treated properly. So Get minor health issues taken care of so they don’t become major ones that affect your whole game.
Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Running for short quick bursts at a time will help you become quicker, and running long distance can help with stamina. Weightlifting or resistance training improves your muscle tone. This is also good for making you much more relaxed while you’re shooting the ball.
Make sure you practice shooting all over the court. Practice your grip and proper balance. Off-balance shooting is possible but much less accurate. Perfect your grip by using the basketball valve. Spread the fingers on your writing hand, and cover the valve with your palm.
How confident are you that you can get out there and put these tips to use? This article has explained many strategies for improving your game, and now it’s up to you to make it happen. It takes time and practice, but you can do it. Get on the court and use that energy!