The number of people that have enjoyed watching and playing basketball can’t be overstated. However, the truth is that many people have a lot to learn about the sport’s benefits. Keep reading for some awesome advice that most any basketball player or fan can use.
Watch your form while you dribble the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. You retain much more ball control this way. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.
Free Throws
Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Take a deep breathe, relax and block out all outside distractions before taking the shot.
Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
Play by yourself to practice. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around. Don’t worry! It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. There is always something to practice.
Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.
Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.
Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Don’t let them get comfortable. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Don’t allow them to control the match. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Make your moves first and end their patterns.
Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.
Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Having excellent peripheral vision is vital to do well in this game. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.
Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. When that happens, rush forward and power past them.
Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. So, drill with the weaker hand and use in it in real life.
Cease Dribbling
Don’t cease dribbling until you get ready to shoot or pass. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. This leaves you vulnerable to being double teamed by members of the opposing team, and it is far more likely that the ball will be stolen.
Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. This will happen during games frequently. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. Practice dribbling while leaning in many different directions. This will help get you out of jams quickly.
You need to follow a rhythm when you dribble so you can break the rhythm and throw off an opponent. A steady dribble interrupted by a fast dribble will take your opponent by surprise and give you the advantage. Speed and rhythm are two of the strongest advantages you can have to thwart the opposing team.
Basketball offers both a fun physical activity and a great spectator sport. If you want to enjoy the whole world of basketball, continue to learn all you can. This article has hopefully given you the tips you needed.