Basketball fans, as well as players, get obsessed by the games and how the season progresses. If a basketball team wants to have happy fans, the team members must play well. It takes practice and a willingness to work on all aspects of the game. You can be a better basketball player. These tips will help you improve your game.
Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. Although, there will be other circumstances that are involved too.
Never practice only against the zone. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.
Don’t dribble during your drills. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.
Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. More than three steps will cause you to get called for travelling. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.
Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.
Strength Training
In order to improve your game, make sure you do plenty of strength training. Being physically tough is as important as having the stamina to keep up with the game. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As the teenage years approach, weights can be used for even greater impact. As adults, it will be imperative to maintain a strength training routine.
Bend the knees when you dribble a basketball. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.
To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance. If you can make a basket from there, you will open up the defense because they will have to play you closely.
Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you are going to be pivoting with your back foot. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.
Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. You can run longer distances to build up stamina. To build speed, try doing wind sprints. Both are necessary for playing good ball. Lifting weights and doing resistance training is going to help you to build muscle to take shots. You will be able to shoot well with this confidence and aggression.
One way to misdirect your opponent is to dribble in a rhythm, then break that rhythm. You can surprise the opponent by changing up your dribbling. Even a slight change in the sound the ball makes when you dribble can throw another player off balance.
Make your opponent change their path. Whether you are playing offense or defense, gaining control over the path of your opponent is a critical skill. This allows you to go where you need to go and does not let them determine your path.
One important element in basketball is passing. Good passing skills will help you baffle your opponent. It also builds your team’s camaraderie. The time will come for you to share your individual abilities. Since you know you’ll have your moment to shine, have patience and help some others shine as well.
Clearly, many things exist that can help bolster your game. When you’re the best player that you can be, you’ll help to make your team better. Everyone has to play a part in the team and people that cheer on the games also have a big part to play too. As a basketball player, you need all the help that you can get. Remember these tips to become a dependable player who is welcome on any team.