Do you enjoy basketball but feel like you’re behind on knowing all about basketball? You are certainly not the only one. Lots of folks watch basketball games and marvel at what the pro’s. Read on to find out some basic tips about the game.
If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.
Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is as important as offense during practice. Basketball games are often won with a good defense. Offense is flashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.
Make sure that you’re dribbling the right way.When you dribble, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. Using your fingertips will allow you to better control the basketball.
Practice your layups a lot. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.
Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you get the ball often. This technique passes the basketball from your left hand you use. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to be good results. Once you’ve learned how to use it, you can travel down the court quickly.
Free Throws
Perfect your bounce pass. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.
Free throws require as much mental as physical skill. Stay calm and collected to increase your ability to make free throws.
Don’t bulk up if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.Some shooting guards make their arms so much that they started lowering their own field goals.
Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
Core muscles include the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles. A strong core lets a player generate force that can be tapped through the legs to be applied to faster running and jumping during games.
Understanding your opponent is key in beating a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch tapes and stay up on the court. When you know some of the other player’s moves, you will play a better defense. A smart defender with an education will be good at what they do.
Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.
Pay attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the basket. The shoulder that’s dominant should be perfectly aligned with the rim.
Done Properly
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.
Practice passing while looking the opposite direction when you make a pass. This will confuse your actions very confusing to the other team. When done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. It’s a powerful play if done properly.
Practice with your weaker hand.Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back and force yourself only use your weak hand. You will quickly strengthen your weak hand for dribbling.
There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Trick them using a back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Next, place the ball behind you. Flick your wrists in the direction that it must travel. This should trick the opposing team.
You need to constantly disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Don’t let them get comfortable out there on the court. Be aggressive as you execute.Don’t allow them dictate the game.
Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you wish to handle the ball better.Wrist curls can work good if you handle the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. You can’t just stand in one place and shoot. You need to be able to move the basketball around to get things happen.
Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. You will stay balanced if your core is strong. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.
Changing pace can help you keep the offense is paying attention. As you approach the goal, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. The guard will assume you are slowing down and will do the same. When that happens, run ahead and push yourself forward.
Always stay low when playing defense. This will aid you as you jump and react to the front man. Remain in a correct defensive stance always. When you block a shot, get back into form as quickly as possible.
Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.
To boost your ability with the weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. This also can significantly help you with your basketball game.
In summary, there were probably a lot of things you did not know about the great sport of basketball. By this point, you are enjoying a stronger sense of confidence in your abilities. Get out there on the court so you can utilize these learned strategies.
Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot. This routine will help you make your free throws, but make the routine a quick one.