Basketball holds universal appeal. But, excelling at the game is not simple. The game of basketball can still be a fun game even if you don’t rank at the top in genetics and athleticism. Read on to find out more.
It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Defense is what wins basketball games. Offense gets attention and praise, but when you lack good defense, any team can lose.
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. These players are using creative improvisation. You need to maintain good balance while shooting, which is sure to produce greater consistency.
Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. That is not a problem. You can still practice when playing alone. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You can always find things to practice.
Never turn away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what’s coming. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.
You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.
Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Though, you should never attempt to a play faster game than your abilities permit. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.
Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots. You want your peripheral vision to be as good as it can. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.
Do you feel ready to show others your game? Well, maybe you better practice what you’ve read first. Get motivated, get energized and get excited; then, show your stuff on the basketball court. You will soon see changes for the better in your game.