One of the most popular sports is basketball. No matter if you prefer to watch games on television, play in a pick-up game on weekends or shoot baskets in the driveway, you likely know that basketball isn’t going anywhere. Those who play would prefer to become better players and win games. Below are several useful ideas for bettering your game and scoring some real victories.
Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. This will give you better control of the basketball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.
Learn the best way to make your free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Use this technique to better your game. Start out by holding the basketball right in front of you. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.
Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.
Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.
Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Sometimes you have to face reality about your skills and just not dream about how you want to be.
To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.
Free Throws
Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. You can shoot better free throws by making sure you use the same exact routine every time, and of course practice. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.
Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If the defense gets to be too much, look to pass the ball to someone who is open.
Strength Training
Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball. Even young children can benefit from strength training. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. Strength training is essential once you reach the adult years.
Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. If you decide not to shoot a basket or pass the ball on, you are only allowed to pivot on the heal that is furthest back. The opposition will cling onto you like a magnet.
Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. By dribbling consistently and then breaking it up into a different rhythm that’s fast, you can trick an opponent so you have more time to shoot. When they are focused on stealing the ball, your change in rhythm can really throw them off.
It is important to take your diet seriously if you want to be the best player you can be. To play with great frequency, you will need a large amount of carbs combined with a bit of fat and protein. Good foods that provide these essentials include nuts, lean meats and whole wheat breads. Sugars and salt should be used sparingly.
Whether you keep possession of the ball or not is based in your position just before and right after a rebound. If you wish to have better balance and power, then make sure you use both feet when you jump. Once you gain possession of the ball, your feet should be positioned more widely than your shoulders. Hold the ball near your chest and regain your balance upon landing.
Manage your nerves whenever you shoot. Concentrate on the basket. In particular, you have to make your eyes trained to move towards the rim’s back when you shoot. With a lay-up, focus your attention on the backboard and how the shot will bank off into the basket.
Set your workout goals in writing to help you focus upon them. A lot of people go to workout without having plans. They have no direction and spend time with friends. With a good workout plan in place it is possible to focus and improve your physical conditioning in a steady manner.
Communicating well with your teammates is crucial. Communication should be an important part of any team building exercise. Until then, you may need keywords or hand signals to communicate. This should be something you can communicate with them.
As you can see, there are many things you can do to improve your skills. Continue to learn new techniques and perfect your skills. Practice is the key to learning anything, so practice often to help improve your game. Whether it is practice with your team, playing a pickup game with friends or even just playing with younger players for fun, it all adds up to better skills and sharing the love of basketball.