This is why basketball is enjoyed by so many people; the game is fast and exciting. However, if you want to thoroughly enjoy the game, you should know all you can. These tips will help you become a better player.
Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.
Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Try the back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. This should be helpful in tricking them team.
Hand signals can help you to stay away from making bad passes. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. Pay attention to dominant hands. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.
Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.
Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.
If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.
Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. It will allow you to execute easy layups.
Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Keep in mind that your feet shouldn’t cross and this should make you good at defense.
Many people love to play basketball and for good reason. This article has given you some of the knowledge you need to truly excel. Put these tips to use to become a better basketball player.