Basketball is more than a game for gym class. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. If shooting hoops is your thing, then you need to take some time out to read through the content that’s presented below.
Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. Of course, there are also other factors involved.
A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.
Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. Learn how to catch any sort of throw.
Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.
Practice basketball in season and out of season. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. This is perfectly acceptable. Solo games also help. Work on free throws or three pointers. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.
Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Do you have an area where you excel? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.
If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. You should also make sure that your dominant shoulder is lined up with the rim.
Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. To get an advantage over an opposing player, you must have the quickest reactions. In order to be fast, you must constantly do drills. Make sure you never play past the speed you are comfortable. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.
A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. You have to practice time and time again. Just keep repeating free throws, if you want to perfect that technique. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.
Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.
You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team. This can have a major impact on the other team psychologically, and it can be a powerful play as well.
To help practice three-point shooting you should practice shooting at the NBA distance. That is the furthest distance that you would ever have to shoot from to score a three. By practicing at the NBA line, you will be used to getting a look a little further than what most defenses will cover.
Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. You are limited once you cease dribbling. If you don’t have the chance to shoot or pass, you can just pivot with the foot in the back. Then, you will be vulnerable to being double teamed by the opposition, and you are likely to have the ball stolen.
Keep your dribbling consistent until the time you want to confuse your opponent. A consistent pace for your dribble will lull your opponent, and help you move more quickly than they do when the time comes. Both the speed and the sound will contribute to confusing the player that is guarding you.
Double Dribble
Be sure not to double dribble. A double dribble occurs when you’re done dribbling one time and then begin to do it again a little while afterwards. After you quit dribbling the only thing you can do is shoot or pass. You are not allowed to recommence dribbling. If you do, it’s called a turnover and your opponent will be given the ball.
Always keep an eye on the basketball, whether it’s under control of your teammate or your opponent. You cannot win a basketball game without rebounds. If won’t matter that you’re a great defender who causes the opponent to miss a shot if you can’t get back the ball.
Bettering your game play is important if you love basketball. Now that you have read these tips, it is time to take the next step and make use of them. If you learn new skills, your game will improve.