People of all ages have loved basketball for years. That said, few understand the game enough to play well. No matter your skill level, this article will provide you with some helpful tips.
Learn to correctly dribble the ball. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. This helps you to control the ball better. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.
Practice your layup shot often. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
Practice catching passes as often as you can. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. Learn how to catch any sort of throw.
In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.
Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.
Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.
Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.
Free Throw
Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. You’ll miss if you don’t have a good routine down.
Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.
Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.
Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it will increase your stride length and your speed. This drill can help you to have success with lay-ups during a fast break.
If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. That can make your game better.
Basketball appeals to all types of different people. To really have a great experience and to fully appreciate the game is to acquire as much knowledge about it. Keep the information from this piece close at hand, and your love of basketball will reach amazing new heights.