Basketball is a very easy game that’s played all over the world. In order to play as a team and win the game, each player has a certain function that they perform. The following article will help you improve your basketball skills.
Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Don’t look down, always look up.
Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. Take your basketball everywhere. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.
Practice layups often. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.
Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. There are many factors which come into play, though.
Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.
If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.
Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.
Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. Keep your palm off the ball too. When shooting or passing the ball, only your fingers should contact the ball.
Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. If you know their game, you can defend against it. The strongest defenders are those who have information.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. In addition, moving one foot while working on setting a screen or pick will produce a foul.
Everyone that plays basketball eventually tries mastering specific skills to better their game. By now, you have a firm grasp of what it takes to improve your skills. Keep these tips in mind during your next practice to improve your game.