No one will try to fix a problem with their car’s engine without researching how it is done right. If you don’t know what you’re doing in basketball, how can you possibly get better? This article will teach you the basics so you can get up to speed on the game of basketball.
Balance is vital to good shooting. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. You need to maintain good balance while shooting, which is sure to produce greater consistency.
Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Relax, take your time and be focused.
Bad Passes
Work on pass catches. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones. This will help to improve your game when it gets intense. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.
Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.
Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.
One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.
Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.
During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. You will stay balanced if your core is strong. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.
Practice looking the other way when passing. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. This play can be very powerful.
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 guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. When that happens, rush forward and power past them.
You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him. While that is happening, your forwards should race out to the opposing wing players. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.
Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you. This takes some stooping and bending, but just move quickly down the court as you thwart the opposition.
For exercise, do a workout regimen that will enhance your skills and presence on the court. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. To play more physically, lift weights to make yourself a more dominating presence. This will also help you build confidence, a key aspect of performing well in any sport.
You need to follow a rhythm when you dribble so you can break the rhythm and throw off an opponent. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Not only the speed change, but the sound change is what confuses them most.
Knowing when to pass and when to shoot is of utmost importance in the sport of basketball. By ignoring other teammates who are open to hog the ball yourself, you could end up costing your team the game.
All great basketball players must master pivoting. You have to practice footwork and get ready to pivot without getting unstable on your feet or disoriented. Establish a solid pivoting stance, then practice your reaction time for when you get your hands on the ball.
Practice dribbling the ball with a lot of force. When you do this, the ball will move quickly and give a defender little time to try and snatch it from you. Dribble very hard, if you can.
When you’re on defense, a good thing to do would be to get your opponent to be near the sideline. Allowing your opponents to drive down the middle lets them have a wide array of possible plays. If you can get them near the sideline, they will have limited choices.
You should never argue with an official. You may disagree with a call, and it’s OK to ask a question of the official. But getting in their face and confronting them is not the way to play a team sport. Cut the pros some slack, and keep playing your best.
Fixing your car yourself will give you a great sense of pride. It pales in comparison to the feeling you’ll have when you learn how to play basketball well, however. Learning to play effectively will help you win games and impress your teammates.