Whether you are a player or a spectator, it is important to understand the fundamentals of the game. What’s the score? Don’t give up! It is not too hard to learn about basketball. Read on for some basketball tips that will have you calling all the shots and making the slam-dunks for your team.
Watch your form while you dribble the ball. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.
Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. Don’t look while dribbling, because you won’t be able to see what’s going on.
Proper balance is essential when shooting. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. They are going with the flow when this occurs. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.
Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.
One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. The stronger your core, the higher you will jump.
In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. This gives you better control of the ball. Avoid putting your palm on the ball, too. When shooting or passing the ball, only your fingers should contact the ball.
Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. A person that knows about defending makes a strong defender.
In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.
Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Don’t ever believe you’re going to be able to stand still, receive a pass and take a shot. Learning how to pass the ball ensures that you can get the ball safely to a teammate who has better position on the court.
How hard was it to read those helpful tips? Now that you’ve learned a few things, it’s time to enjoy the sport and practice. If you are prepared to make a change, now is the best time to do so. While you may not be the next NBA star, you will improve nonetheless.