Dedication is key to becoming a better basketball player. Even if you’re only playing fun, don’t you want to play well? By reviewing this piece, you will have what you need to tweak your game for the better.
Look forward when dribbling. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Carry your basketball everywhere. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.
Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.
In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.
Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. There are other things to keep in mind, though.
Free Throws
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. No problem! You can still do a lot on your own. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. You can always work on something.
Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.
When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.
Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. To get an advantage over an opposing player, you must have the quickest reactions. Fast play is a result of heavy drilling. Do not play beyond you capabilities, however. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and excessive turnovers.
Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.
Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. This gets you the rebound without you committing a foul.
Dribble with force to prevent the ball from being stolen. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.
A powerful play called the trapping machine, is to have your guards wait for the point guard to come just past midcourt. They can then trap the point guard. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. The point guard will then probably throw an easily interceptable pass.
To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. Soon enough you will see great improvements on the court.
To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. Your accuracy will get better and you’ll have a better idea of what real game conditions will be like.
Follow the advice presented here to improve your game and become the best player possible. Taking what you’ve learned here and applying it to your game is how to eventually see progress as you practice all these new tips. Follow the 3-step plan for ensured success.