Basketball is played all over the world. This is one game of skill and teamwork that has really resonated all around the world since its humble beginnings, and is only getting more popular. If you want to know more about this sport, keep reading for some great basketball tips that will help you.
To become a better dribbler in basketball, practice with your eyes closed. This will help you to be able to dribble while keeping a close watch on the action of the game. Be sure to practice while you’re moving too, so that you can dribble and maneuver around the court without ever having to look down at the ball.
Every shot should have an arc. The ball should arc at the highest point, then began descending toward the goal. This arc helps keep the ball on course. Learn how to consistently shoot using the same arc for best results. As you practice, you will learn what works best for you.
Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.
Don’t prepare more for a game than you do for a practice. If you don’t tape up for practice, don’t do it for games. You will naturally take games more seriously than practice. However, you don’t need to start panicking over a game by overpreparing. Have a consistent and calm routine.
Stop and ask your coach what you can do to help the team improve. Basketball is a team sport and every component must be working towards a common goal. The coach is there to offer guidance and provide instruction. Ask if there’s anything specific you can do to help and follow his advice.
When you play basketball, be sure that you remain properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing. Becoming dehydrated can negatively affect your game and your health. It is possible to lose up to 2% of your body weight through dehydration. That can also cause between a 10% and 20% decrease in your athletic performance.
Never throw the basketball at another player. Even if you are angry or aggravated, it’s never smart to take your anger out with the ball. Not only will you draw a foul, you can also do some serious damage to the person you are throwing at. Take a breathe before you do anything stupid.
Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.
Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.
Learn to control the ball when you need to change your pace suddenly. If your are able to plant your feet and then quickly dribble the ball while on the move, you gain a distinct advantage over your opponent. If your defenders think you are slowing down to make a shot, they will straighten up to try to block it.
To make sure that you protect your ankles while you play basketball, wear shoes that are a little bit higher around them and lace them up. If you play in lower shoes, it is very easy to turn your ankle. Higher shoes keep you out on the court playing longer.
Have a good support system off of the court and appreciate their efforts. Whether it is your parents who support you by bringing you to games and financing your necessities or it is the sponsors who support your team, they all contribute to a winning team and should be acknowledged and appreciated.
To play man-to-man defense, it is important to know where your man, the ball, and the basket all are. This keeps your man from sneaking behind you for a back-door pass, and it also allows you to steal over and help when the ball is across the court from your man.
If you’re serious about your game, you should take your diet seriously. If you play all the time, you need to eat carbs on a regular basis. Don’t neglect protein and fat, though. Good foods that provide these essentials include nuts, lean meats and whole wheat breads. Limit your consumption of salt and sugar.
If someone is taking a shot from the center of the court, it is likely that the ball will bounce off the net or backboard straight back at them. Keep this in mind if you want to catch the rebound and score some points after they miss the shot.
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.
Now that you’ve read this article, you know more about what you need to do in order to be a great baskbetball player, or to be a better basketfall fan, if that is what you desire. Just use the tips here in order to make your appreciation of basketball deeper and more satisfying. Play on!