Basketball is beloved by millions worldwide. You can just shoot some baskets at the park, or try to make a career out of playing. The following information will help you learn more about basketball.
Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.
If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.
Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.
Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.
Where are your feet? If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. 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.
You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. You make the moves, which helps shift the momentum.
The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so find a way to slip around him and get to the ball. Doing this lets you get a rebound freely and not commit a foul in the process.
Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.
To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. While you run at the net, plant the front foot and start straightening your body. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. After that, push hard in a forward motion and scoot by them.
When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. Be in the correct defensive stance all the time. If you find you have to abandon your stance to do some blocking, get back into formation as fast as you can.
When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball. Merely bending your knees a bit can provide you with much better ball control.
Dribble with a rhythm, that is until you need to outsmart your opponents. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage. Both the change in speed and sound will confound the player who is guarding you.
If you want to perform your best in basketball, you need to eat well. If you want to have plenty of energy to play, you should take in plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean sources of protein. Good additions to your daily diet include whole grain bread, lean chicken and nuts. Stay away from salt and sugar as much as possible.
Build your team up at all times. When your team is of one accord, your game will be the best possible. If you think you know each of your teammates really well and trust them, then your game improve, and theirs too.
Whether you keep possession of the ball or not is based in your position just before and right after a rebound. For better power and balance, jump using both feet and take the basketball with both of your hands. After rebounding, land with wide feet to keep your balance, and clutch the ball to your chest.
If a team plays a good zone defense you can beat them with a penetrating dribble. Passing a defensive player and moving into the lane is sure to prompt a defensive shift or even a collapse. If you feel good about it and are in position, take a shot. If you see a teammate that’s open, pass the ball out to them to make the easy shot.
You should now know what you need to do to get the most out of basketball. Practice often to gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to play a good game. Play as often as you can, especially against really good players. Get out there and have a blast!