Basketball is a very easy game that’s played all over the world. Every player has their own skills that contribute to wins for their team. If you want help to improve your skills, you should continue reading.
When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Take you ball with you everywhere. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.
If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again. This action most be quick to work out. When done properly, crossover dribbling is a great way to quickly switch direction or move around the court in an efficient manner.
Practice layups often. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. If your practice did not include this, you can quickly lose control of the game.
You can play basketball solo before and during the season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. No problem. Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. You can always find things to practice.
The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game. You should know if a player is right or left handed. Your defensive game will be a lot more effective after you get to know your opponent. When you are prepared, you play better defense.
If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. Mastering this technique can give you a significant advantage.
Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. It will allow you to execute easy layups.
Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. 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. When you’re an adult you have to be sure to do strength training to do well on the court.
If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will make you a force to be reckoned with on the court.
While you dribble, alternate your momentum from your left to right side. Games require you to be able to dribble under all types of conditions. It would be great if you are always able to go full speed ahead, but more times than not you will need to move and flow with the defense in front of you. You’ll need to learn how to dribble while your body is leaning in different directions. This allows you to get yourself out of a tough spot.
If possible, keep action beneath the knees. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you. Although this means bending a bit, you will be able to move quickly down the court, particularly since you will be successfully avoiding those who are attempting to get the ball from you.
Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Sprints helps with individual plays, and long-distance running gives you stamina. You can build muscle to support your shots and ability to hustle by lifting weights and engaging in resistance training. If you can develop your confidence through off-court exercise, this can even help your shooting.
Part of playing basketball is working on improving your skills. Now that you’ve read this article, you know a thing or two about improving your skills. Keep practicing and you’ll get better.