One of the neat facts about basketball is that it is easy to learn. The fundamentals can be learned in a matter of minutes. However, you can always learn more to improve your game, and this article will give you some tips to get started.
Get good at making free throws. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy. The following technique should be practiced often. Start with the ball ahead of your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then shoot! Shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.
If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!
You should often work on your layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Knowing how to run and jump quickly and smoothly will assist you in knowing how to leap and shoot more effectively while playing.
You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.
Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.
It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. Being aware of your body movements can give you an advantage on the court.
If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. Mastering this movement gives you a big advantage on the court.
If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.
Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. This causes the ball to return to your hand more quickly, so the offense has less time to try to get it away from you. If the defense gets to be too much, look to pass the ball to someone who is open.
Accept a charge when you can. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.
One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.
To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard will think you are slowing down and will also straighten themselves. As hes does, plow forward and run by him.
Standing Straight
The first step when dribbling is to bend at your knees instead of standing straight-legged. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen. You will gain a lot of ball control by bending your knees just a bit.
You might be a complete novice at basketball. You may have started playing when you were a small child. Either way, this information improves your playing skills. Use these tips when you next play a game of basketball.