For decades, people have adored basketball. Not everyone knows how to play basketball well, however. This article will help to fine tune your basketball skills.
Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.
Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.
To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.
If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.
Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.
Look away when you practice passing. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. This play can be very powerful.
Free Throw
Build a routine to improve your free throw game. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.
Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.
Drills should be done where you attempt to get your basketball up the court within five dribbles or even less than that. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it will increase your stride length and your speed. This helps give your team the advantage, and allows you to drive the center.
Change your pace up to throw the offense off. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.
The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. It’s a foul to push your opponents, but using your arm as a barrier is allowed and will help you to secure the ball. Hold your arm slightly elevated as you dribble with the opposite hand.
Make sure your off-court exercise is appropriate to help your on-court game. Sprint running can help improve on-court speed, while distance running is sure to boost your stamina. Working out with weights helps to improve your muscles and the physical part of the game. The confidence this gives you will help you with your shooting.
A corner shot often bounces to the opposite end of the court. Figure out where it will land to grab the rebound.
You have to learn to get your opponent to alter their path. Whether you are playing offense or defense, gaining control over the path of your opponent is a critical skill. If you can master this skill then you determine where the ball is going, not your opponent.
After catching a ball that has rebounded, land on your feet, spreading legs wider than your shoulders in order to get greater balance. Clasp your hands around the sides of the ball, and clutch it tightly to your chest. Keep your elbows under control so you don’t cause a foul by hitting someone.
What your position is in relationship to the rebound can help you figure out if you will still have the ball. Jump using both feet for increased power and stability and grab the ball using both hands. Once you get the rebound, come down with both feet wider apart than your shoulders in order to secure good balance, and make sure the ball is held close to the chest.
Basketball has been around for a very long time and has been a favorite of all sorts of people. Knowledge is what makes or breaks a player. Use these tips to become an even better basketball player.