What You Have Always Wanted To Know About Basketball

by | Jan 9, 2020 | Basketball

TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Defense is what stands between you and a win.

Basketball has been a sport that’s been around for many years, and has provided a lot of enjoyment for those who have played it and play it today. To become a star in basketball, you need a strong work ethic and lots of practice. Reading through the article here is going to teach you what you need to know, so continue on.

TIP! Balance is important when shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Walking to your mailbox? Dribble the ball. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

TIP! Practice the skill of pass catching. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. The move must be done quickly if it is going to work. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

TIP! Need to dupe the opposition? Try a pass back! To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back.

You must have good balance to shoot well. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

A bounce pass is essential to learn. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

Free Throws

TIP! One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way.

Free throws are mental as well as physical. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.

TIP! Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.

TIP! If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control.

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. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling.

In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. When you know your opponent, you will be better able to play an effective defensive game. Smart defenders are good defenders.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides.

When you use these tips, you will have more fun when playing basketball. Look at videos and blogs, and make sure you read more articles, so you can always keep learning. Gain as much knowledge as you can to improve your enjoyment of the sport.