Basketball season is always an obsession for the fans of the game, and the players themselves. In order to keep fans happy, give them a reason to cheer. Every member of a basketball team has strengths and weaknesses, so take stock of your skill and determine what you need to practice. Follow these tips to learn how to play basketball effectively and become an important member of your team.
Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Bring your ball along when you go out. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.
A bounce pass is essential to learn. It needs to get to the player at their waist. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. Many other factors will affect it, too.
Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.
A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Don’t be frustrated by how hard it is at first; you will get used to it.
If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. Once there, you have to firmly claim the area as your own. Strong footwork is key.
If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. Remember which player shoots left and which shoots right. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.
You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. When making a move, be aggressive. Never let them control the game plays. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This may seem quite difficult at first, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have great speed and stride length. It can mean easier lay-ups when dealing with fast breaks and it can help your teammates for just a moment.
Don’t leave your defensive stance. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.
It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even kids can benefit by getting stronger through exercise. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.
Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt. They should then trap the point guard. As your guards are doing this, send your forwards out to the outside opponents. Your forwards should easily be able to steal the pass that the point guard throws.
Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you are going to be pivoting with your back foot. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.
Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game. You’ll have people guarding you on all sides. You must dribble while you make your body lean in various directions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.
There are many ways you can improve your basketball game. Increasing your skills will also build your team’s success. There is a part for everyone in basketball, from the players on the court to the fans in the stands. Help your team by playing your position and looking for turnover opportunities. Remember these tips to become that player that is wanted on all teams.