Do you enjoy basketball but feel like you’re behind on knowing all about it? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Few people know what it takes to shoot, pass, and block like professional players. You’ll learn a lot through this article to help you become better at the game.
Balance is important when shooting. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.
Practice your layups a lot. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.
You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all. Don’t get upset if it seems hard, this will improve your team’s passes over time.
Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. In solo games, you can accomplish quite a bit. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. There is no shortage of things you can do.
Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.
Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.
To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking. You will not be able to stand in one place and shoot. While this does happen on occasion, you should be moving in order to execute the play.
Strength Training
If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As they age, begin adding weights to their exercise routine. It’s important to continue strength training when you are an adult to maintain your performance.
When playing defense, always try to stay low. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.
If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard to trap him in place. Simultaneously, forwards should block sprint toward wing players. This will cause the point guard to throw a pass that will allow your forwards to steal.
Double Dribbling
Avoid double dribbling. When you stop dribbling and then begin again is double dribbling. When you’ve ceased dribbling, you can just shoot or pass the ball. You cannot start dribbling again. This will lead to you having to turnover the ball to the opposing team.
The position you adopt before, during, and immediately following a rebound has an effect on your ability to keep possession of the ball. Use both feet when jumping; this improves both height and control. After rebounding the ball, land with your feet wider than your shoulders for better balance and keep the ball close to your chest.
You should try to remain calm while you are shooting. Concentrate on the basket throughout your shot. Focus your stare on the back part of the rim as you are shooting. However, if you are going in for the lay-up, move your eyes to the area of the backboard that you need to bank the ball off of.
Passing should be a focus if you want to improve your game. Passing is effective at confusing the opponent. Good passing shows teamwork, a vital attribute of almost all successful basketball teams. You will have a chance to showcase your abilities at some point. You’ll have this time appear, so take your time and allow other to shine as well.
If the opposing team uses zone defense, try a penetrating dribble. If you or another player can find a crease in the zone, the other team will have to swarm to the ball. Attempt the shot once you are within proximity. However, if one of your teammates is wide open then quickly pass them the ball for an easier shot.
Now you should know all about how to play basketball like a pro and enjoy it. Hopefully now that you’ve finished reading this article, you feel like you understand the game much better. Go play a game, so you can start using these great tips?