Even the NBA’s best players don’t know everything there is to know about this wonderful game. Do you want to dominate your opponents more frequently? Continue reading for the edge that you need to succeed.
It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Basketball games are often won by the defense. Offense gets more attention, but the team is going to lose without a strong defense.
Learn to crossover if you get the ball fairly often. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to hand. The action must be done quickly if it is going to work. Once you’ve learned how to use it, you will be able to change directions quicker.
Receiving Player
When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.
Teach yourself how a bounce passes correctly. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the receiving player near their waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance to the receiving player is. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, however.
Make sure to practice includes catching of passes. You and your team mates will be happier if you can best complete imperfect passes.
When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.
Do not only practice by playing against the zone defense. The majority of the game is in that area, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. If your practice did not include this, you might lose your game very quickly.
Want to trick the other team not know what’s going on? Try using a back pass. Hold the basketball with your dominant hand. This should help to trick to confuse the other team.
Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.
Play basketball against yourself during the off-season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but other people won’t always be around.There is still much that can be accomplished when playing alone. Work on your free throws and pivot moves. There are always things you can be done.
Never turn away from the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This will make you aware of what is going on so you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Keep your eyes open for easy shots.
Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. Inconsistency will ruin your shots. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.
Understanding your opponent is a tough defense.Watch tapes and follow scouting reports. Once you have a solid idea of your opponent, you will now how to mount your defense. A knowledgeable defender is a strong one.
Always be aware of your feet and what they’re doing.
You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.
Passing between the legs is great when you have defense all over you.Practice this by bouncing the ball between your legs. Mastering this skill will provide you with a big advantage on the court.
Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball stealing. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, bring your dribbling to an end and pass the ball to another open team member.
When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight. It also leaves you open to a steal from the opposing team. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.
Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in about five dribbles.This might not seem possible, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length. This drill can help you accomplish great layups on those fast breaks.
The sound advice above should give you the confidence you have been trying to achieve. These tips will make you a better player. Never stop learning or practicing. Use the advice from this article to help improve your game.
Practice shooting the ball from many different areas in order to improve your ability. Work on your grip and balance first. It is possible to make an off-balance shot, but it has less accuracy. Perfect your grip by using the basketball valve. Spread out your fingers, and center the valve in your hand.