Basketball ranks among one of peoples’ favorite sports to both watch and play. Still, it is a difficult sport to master. Even though some people appear to be more predisposed to athletic greatness than others, anyone can enjoy the sport and work to improve their own game. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your basketball experience.
Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.
When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Take your basketball everywhere. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.
You need good balance when you shoot. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. They are improvising. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.
Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!
Practice using different types of defenses. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. Practice with each type of defense so you will know what to expect.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game. Remember which player shoots left and which shoots right. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. When you are prepared, you play better defense.
Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. Once you get the move down, you can use it to gain a tactical advantage.
Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. Make aggressive plays. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. If you let them, they’ll totally take the control from you. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.
To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If you are being closely guarded, you should cease dribbling and pass the ball to an open member of your team.
Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Peripheral vision is important during game play. Watching the whole court allows you to foresee future attacks from the opponent.
Strength Training
Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. You need both strength and endurance if you are going to excel. Even young children can benefit from strength training. Use weights when they get older. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.
Do you want to show off your skills? Start with some practice, of course. Get energized, motivated, and excited and then get out on the court! Soon you’ll start to see how much you’ve improved because you put the advice you were given here into practice.