Basketball is a very loved sport, and people of all ages have passion for the game. However, there are subtle nuances to the game that you may not be aware of. This article is intended to help folks of all skill levels appreciate basketball more and improve their game significantly.
It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. This action most be quick to work out. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.
If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.
Practice layups often. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.
Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. There’s nothing wrong with that. There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. There is always something to practice.
Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. You can stay away from doing this if you use a hand signal to see if someone is ready for a pass. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.
Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Look at how you did and judge yourself. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.
Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.
Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.
Peripheral Vision
Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. You have to build your peripheral vision. If you scan the entire court instead of keeping your eye on the basketball, you will be aware of oncoming defensive pressure as well as the positions of your open teammates.
If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team. This is play that’s powerful.
Change your pace up to throw the offense off. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot. Your opponent will see you as stopping, then will also stop themselves. After that, push hard in a forward motion and scoot by them.
Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot. Only lift your head up to check out the target once you are in the air. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.
Don’t discontinue dribbling until you have the chance to shoot or pass. After you have stopped dribbling, your options are quite limited. If you don’t shoot or pass, you can only pivot using your back foot. That will allow your opponents to double team you and potentially steal the ball.
Make sure your dribble is consistent until you decide to shake up the opposing player. A steady dribble interrupted by a fast dribble will take your opponent by surprise and give you the advantage. In addition to the tempo change, the louder sound of your dribbling can catch them off guard as well.
If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. You need to eat carbs, fats and protein on game days. Enjoy lean proteins, whole grains and nuts. You should use salt and sugar sparingly.
Create a team environment that is tough on the court and off of it. A team that works together is an unstoppable team. That means knowing each players strengths and weaknesses and trusting them.
Basketball is enjoyed by people from all different backgrounds. Knowledge is the key to getting the most you can out of the sport. Keep what you’ve just read in mind, and grow your love for the game.