Basketball season is always an obsession for the fans of the game, and the players themselves. If a basketball team wants to have happy fans, the team members must play well. Start practicing now and improve your game. Follow these tips to learn how to play basketball effectively and become an important member of your team.
When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Dribble while walking to the store. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.
It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. This term refers to switching the hand you use. It has to be done fast to be effective. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.
Always work on your layups. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Knowing how to run and jump quickly and smoothly will assist you in knowing how to leap and shoot more effectively while playing.
Frequent pass catching practice is important. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.
Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.
Core Muscles
If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. That means their hips, lower back and abs. Core muscles are the connectors between arms and legs. If the core muscles are weak, basketball performance will suffer. A strong core provides a center of force that can be tapped through the legs while running and jumping during games.
Never try to push through pain after an injury. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. If an injury is serious, go to see a physician.
Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. Mastering this technique can give you a significant advantage.
Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.
Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.
To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.
Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. If you view the entire game without focusing on the ball, you’ll see defensive pressure advance, along with open teammates.
Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.
Your defenders need to wait for the point guard to make it 10′ ahead of the time line. This is when they should trap him. With the forwards blocking outside, you have a good shot at intercepting a bad pass. Their point guard will probably hurl a pass that is easy for your own forwards to steal.
To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing. Keeping your opponents on their toes is an important part of basketball.
You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots. Don’t look at the target until you are in the air. This simulates what actually happens in a game and improves your accuracy.
As you’ve read, there are several ways to better your game. Improved players lead to improved teams and eventually happier fans. From the concession stand cashiers to the referees, everyone plays an important role in the game of basketball. By being a player you should be giving your team lots of help. Keep all of these tips in your game to help you develop the skill to make you a valued team member.