Practice is the best way to build your skills. Now that you know that, you have to actually know how to practice in the correct way for it to be effective. The tips here are going to help you get the ball into the net every time.
Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Basketball games are won because of good defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.
Practice catching passes often. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Learning how to catch these errant passes will put you at an advantage.
You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.
Core Muscles
Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Your performance is going to be sub-par if you don’t have strengthened core muscles. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.
If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. When shooting or passing the ball, only your fingers should contact the ball.
When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.
It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.
Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.
You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Execute your moves with aggression. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
Dribble the ball hard to keep it from being stolen. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. Stop dribbling when people guard you too closely.
Defensive Stance
A great way to make sure you’re in a good position defensively is to keep yourself in the defensive stance. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.
When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. This will help you be quicker on the jump and react to the man in front of you easier. You always want to have a strong defensive stance on the court. If you need to block someone’s shot, quickly get back into your stance.
Regardless of your skill level in basketball, these tips will help you become even better. Choose one favorite tip, and improve your score. You can improve your game in every way, just like professional.