Have you ever watched professional basketball players and envied their skills? Rather than wishing you were great, how about you do your research to become better? Continue reading this article so that you can find out how to do that.
You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Keeping the ball to your side will help it from getting in the way. Keep your eyes up.
Balance is important when shooting. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. They are merely making up the play on the spot. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.
If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Know your strengths and practice them until you have perfected them.
Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. One good rule is for you to bounce the basketball most of the way toward the other player. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.
Work on being able to receive a pass. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.
If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Muscle is good, but you can have too much. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.
Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. If the signal is not used, then the pass should not be made to that player.
Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Do you have an area where you excel? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Find out how your game appears to others and develop your skills accordingly.
You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.
Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. More than three steps will cause you to get called for travelling. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.
To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.
Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.
Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.
Stay Aggressive
You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal. Stay aggressive. Do not let them call the shots. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. To avoid this, stay aggressive and try to interrupt their thought patterns and rhythm.
Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. Motion is key to being successful on the court.
You need to take a charge anytime you can. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. This can be devastating to the other team.
Remain low when playing defense. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way. Maintain this low stance with arms raised until a shot or high pass is made. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.
Now that you’ve finished this article, you can get out there and practice. Practice consistently to build confidence. Keep these tips in mind and show off your newly acquired skills.