Basketball is fun to play and watch, but to play the game expertly takes practice. Nonetheless, technique is also important. Practicing poor technique will not help you. These tips should help you become a much better basketball player.
It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.
If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!
Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.
Need to dupe the opposition? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. This should be helpful in tricking them team.
In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.
Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. If you know their game, you can defend against it. The strongest defenders are those who have information.
During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.
Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.
Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. It’s a powerful play when done right.
A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. This drill can help you to have success with lay-ups during a fast break.
If you want to stay in a good defensive position, simply avoid breaking out of your defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. If you never allow your feet to cross one another you will invariably be a very hard player to get passed.
It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. When they become an adult, weight training becomes mandatory.
It doesn’t matter how often you play basketball, the tips in this article will better your game every time you play. Use one tip and you’ll see your game get better. You can make every shot count, pass better, rebound like a pro and overall improve how you play every day.