Many people love basketball. No matter if you prefer to watch games on television, play in a pick-up game on weekends or shoot baskets in the driveway, you likely know that basketball isn’t going anywhere. If you enjoy playing the game, no doubt you want to show your best on the court at all times. These tips will help you become a better player.
Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Practice a lot with the following method. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Keep your eyes on the goal and visualize the ball going into the goal. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.
Keep your head up when you dribble. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Dribble as you walk to the market. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.
If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.
Interested in tricking your opponents? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. Now hold the ball behind you. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.
When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.
Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. When you know your opponent, you will be better able to play an effective defensive game. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.
Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.
Free Throws
To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.
If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This speeds up the dribbling cycle, which means the person covering you has less of a chance to steal the ball each cycle. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.
One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.
To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you. You will soon see a difference on the court if you are consistent with these simple exercises.
The first step when dribbling is to bend at your knees instead of standing straight-legged. The basketball is much harder to control if you stand tall and the opposing team can snatch it more easily. You will have better ball control with bent knees.
Double dribbling is a major rule, and something that must always be avoided. This occurs whenever you resume dribbling after a brief pause. When you’ve ceased dribbling, you can just shoot or pass the ball. You’re not allowed to start dribbling again. Doing so results in a turnover, which means the opposing team will get the ball.
When the person you are tasked with guarding is bigger than you, remain in front of them. This keeps them from grabbing a pass and shooting over you.
You now know that there are countless tactics to make you a better player. You can improve your game by learning new techniques and practicing them often. Practice is important to anything worth doing – just do it! Regardless of whether or not you play on a team or a playground, these tips will make your game better.
