Basketball is a remarkable sport because it allows you to achieve great things with only a few simple skills. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. However, you can always learn new things if basketball is something you wish to be good at, and this article is here to help you.
Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.
Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.
Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. The key to this relies on having good footwork.
A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.
Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Keep your palm off the ball, too. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. More than three steps will cause you to get called for travelling. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.
If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.
Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. Your opponent will see you as stopping, then will also stop themselves. When that happens, push ahead and run past.
Maybe you just started playing the game before looking up this article. Perhaps you grew up playing the sport. Either way, the information located above can assist you in becoming a great ball player. Use the knowledge you have gained to step up your game and become the best basketball player that you possibly can.