Basketball is more than just something you play in intramural sports or in your P.E. class. It is possible to play the game anywhere, including on your lawn or at a court at the park. If you are an aspiring basketball players, it would be a good idea to read this article to learn some new skills.
Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. Maintaining unbroken visual contact with the ball makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings.
Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You must train both your body and your mind. Relax and focus on your shot, and you can make it.
Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.
Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Make use of the back pass. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Pull it behind you. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This will confuse the opposition.
You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.
What do your teammates admire about your skills? Can they tell you what you’re really good at? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.
Defensive Game
You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. When you know your opponent, you will be better able to play an effective defensive game. Smart defenders are good defenders.
To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.
A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.
If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Force them away from their comfort zone. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. If they do, they’ll dominate you. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.
No matter what kind of basketball game you are playing, be it one-on-one, H.O.R.S.E. or something else, learning about how to become better will make you better. After reading this article, it is time to put these tips into practice. As you develop your skills, you will automatically become a better ball player.