Few sports are as fast paced as basketball. You need energy, determination and motivation to really succeed from game to game. The other important thing you need is good information that will help you improve your skills. Take a look at this article and let these suggestions guide you to a better game.
Correct dribbling is key. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. You’ll have a lot more control over the ball this way. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.
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.
Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You must train both your body and your mind. Relax, take your time and be focused.
You can build your speed by learning the following technique. Begin your speed training by walking at a moderate speed for five minutes. Then, run as fast as you can for one minute. Follow this with a jog for five minutes. Then sprint again for one minute. Cool down by walking for five minutes.
A player’s free-throw percentage is generally much higher than their field goal percentage. While part of this has to do with being in action with defenders right on you when shooting field goals, the other part is the dedicated form and practice put into this “free” shot. Be sure you spend some time practicing your free throws during each practice.
When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.
Play full-court basketball whenever you can. If you love playing, then you probably know a half-dozen spots where you can play street ball or playground pick-up games. While these are good, they don’t give you the practice or experience of getting down the whole court. This matters in fast break situations, both offensive and defensive.
To get an amazing arm workout, dribble the ball on a patch of dirt. This will take a lot of power as the dirt absorbs most of the energy you put into the ball when it hits. Do this for a few minutes, but don’t over exert yourself or you could hurt your arm.
Never try to score the point at the expense of shutting other players out. You are part of a team which means everyone is valued. It means working together and sometimes playing a minor part in another player’s winning shot. Just remember that your team can’t win if you are the only one to make shots.
Listen to your coach. Even if you don’t agree with him or her, your coach is the one with the plan. Remember, you’ve got four other people on the court with you, so a team plan of action is vital to your success. If just one person goes a different direction, then you’ll fail.
To rebound a free throw attempt by the other team, you get the advantage of having four people on the lane, as opposed to three for the other team. Take advantage by boxing out, putting your body on the person next to you and moving him away from the basket. This gives you the best chance at grabbing a board.
To inbound a basketball, you need to be able to learn to fake defenders out. You can use the ball to fake in one direction and then pass in another. Defenders often will jump at your first fake, giving your teammate the chance to get wide open. Use this to beat those opponents who try to cheat the pass.
Always try and play against players that are better than you. That’s how you improve your game the fastest. Not only do you see and learn what they do, but you just get better yourself from playing against them. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t work pretty quickly.
Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This will aid you as you jump and make it easier to react to the front man. Maintain this low stance with arms raised until a shot or high pass is made. When you block a shot, go back to a defensive form quickly.
Being the one who scores all the points for you team isn’t everything. It also takes players who can block the other teams shots as well as players who can pass the ball to the player who has the best chance at a shot. It’s all part of working together to get the job done.
If you are like most basketball players, you want as much playing time as possible. One way to pretty much guarantee an increase in playing time is to always work hard and hustle during both practice and in a game. Don’t be hesitant about diving after a loose ball. Your butt may often be on the ground, but a coach will notice your intense efforts and will choose you over a player who doesn’t have your drive and work ethics.
Landing with a wide stance after catching a rebound will make it easier for you to retain you balance. Keep the hands on both sides of the ball, and make sure it stays close to the chest. Don’t let your elbows poke another player or you will gain a foul.
Basketball really keeps you moving. It is high-energy and demands the best from players. Now that you have been exposed to some great tips and ideas, you can better enjoy the game. You can feel confident that you have some new or improved skills to bring to the court and dominate the competition.