Many people have a love for basketball and have for some time. Not all people are aware of the true fundamentals of the game. This article will help to fine tune your basketball skills.
Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Walking to your mailbox? Dribble the ball. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.
Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. It has to be done fast to be effective. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.
Shooting has much to do with proper balance. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They’re just improvising at this point. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.
Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.
A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.
In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.
Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.
Basketball appeals to all types of different people. You need knowledge to both enjoy and play the game. Keep the ideas from this article in your mind, and your appreciation of basketball will rise.