Practicing as much as possible will help you become a better basketball player. Of course, you need to understand the basic techniques before you can actually practice them. Check out the pointers below to make sure you are on track to make your game all it can be.
If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.
Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. This will help to improve your game when it gets intense. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.
Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.
If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.
Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Do you have an area where you excel? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.
Jumping Rope
Work on core strength when you work out. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.
Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. This play can be very powerful.
In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.
Dribbling Skills
To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Don’t allow yourself to use your dominant hand when practicing. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.
Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Never cross your feet and your opponents will find you a difficult player.
Strength Training
Basketball players need to engage in strength training. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. Use weights when they get older. During the adult years, strength training is vital to keeping on-court performance at a high level.
Bend the knees when you dribble a basketball. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. Just a slight bend in your knees can have a huge impact on ball control.
To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer. If you’re able to get the shot from where the NBA shoots, then you can start working from a range further than the defense expects.
Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. Work on sprints to make you faster and build your stamina. Additionally, weightlifting and resistance training will help you develop the muscles needed for those long distance shots. Practicing will also build your confidence when shooting.
Always practice from all spots on the court. The first thing to do is work on balance and grip. You can shoot off balance, but it’s not very accurate. You can use the valve to find your perfect grip. Spread the fingers on your writing hand, and cover the valve with your palm.
Whether you play basketball all the time or just once and awhile, the above tips will be of help. Start by mastering one tip and then move on to another. You will learn to play like a professional basketball player.