Do you wish you were like a famous ball player, such as Lebron James or Michael Jordan. You can move closer to making your dreams come true by developing skills and techniques to improve your play. Keep reading to learn more.
It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball. Even though everyone loves to watch offense, defense is what wins you most games.
Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. This will give you better control of the basketball. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.
Practice shooting free throws. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. Shoot the basketball exactly as you saw in your mind.
A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.
You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.
When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. These skills require solid footwork.
If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.
Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.
Practice looking the other way when passing. This throws your opponents off. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.
Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.
To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!
Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. When that happens, rush forward and power past them.
It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As the teenage years approach, weights can be used for even greater impact. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.
Keep low as you defend. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something. Hold a defensive stance always. If you need to block someone’s shot, quickly get back into your stance.
Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. You are limited once you cease dribbling. If you can’t shoot or pass, then you will have to pivot with your back foot. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.
The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Each team has multiple players on it. Playing with the same teammates often helps you understand what they are thinking. You have to help each other. When everyone works together, you can play better as a team.
After having read this article, you now have a few things that you can go practice. It’s important to practice regularly and be confident with what you are doing. Don’t hesitate to put your skills to the test, and don’t be afraid to change your strategy up every now and then.