One of the best things about basketball is how easy it is to learn the basics. The fundamentals can be learned in a matter of minutes. However, there are many advanced techniques that can be learned. Continue reading to learn the how you can become the best player.
When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.
To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.
Do you want to fool the other team? Trick them using a back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. It can be a dangerous maneuver that catches the other team off guard.
Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. These muscles form a bridge across the lower and upper parts of your body. When the core is weak, it is difficult to coordinate the movements of both halves. A core that’s solid and strong will allow you to use force that comes from your legs so you can jump higher and run faster.
If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.
Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Do they feel you are really good at something? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.
Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.
Core Muscles
When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.
Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Did you spot something that could be improved? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.
Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.
Opposing Team
Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.
To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.
Perhaps you discovered basketball just before you saw this article. Perhaps you played a match or two as a child. Regardless of the reason, this article will advise you on how to improve your game. Follow the advice presented here the very next time you play basketball.