It’s easy to see why millions of people adore basketball. However, being the star player is hard. Though your rank can count slightly on your genetically determined athleticism, it has the potential to be fun for anyone. Read on to learn some useful basketball information.
When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Dribble while walking to the store. Don’t look while dribbling, because you won’t be able to see what’s going on.
Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.
One good way to learn good passing is drill often without dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove. Don’t be frustrated by how hard it is at first; you will get used to it.
Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. Hand signals can tell you if your teammate is ready. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.
Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Having found a good spot, you must secure it. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.
Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Do they feel you are really good at something? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.
Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. 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.
Free Throws
Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.
Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. This causes the ball to return to your hand more quickly, so the offense has less time to try to get it away from you. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.
Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge. You will find that it becomes easier to score and make layups.
Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.
When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight. It also leaves you open to a steal from the opposing team. A bit of a bend will boost your control.
Stop Dribbling
Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform. If you decide not to shoot or pass, all you can do is pivot on your rear foot. This leaves you vulnerable to being double teamed by members of the opposing team, and it is far more likely that the ball will be stolen.
Use whatever hand you aren’t dribbling with as a shield between the ball and your opponent. It’s a foul to push your opponents, but using your arm as a barrier is allowed and will help you to secure the ball. Keep your other arm up slightly while you dribble.
What your position is in relationship to the rebound can help you figure out if you will still have the ball. Use both feet to jump up to create more force and quickly snatch the ball, grabbing it with two hands. Following a rebound, land with feet spread wider apart than shoulder width. In this way, you can stay balanced and hold the ball close.
Make sure that you are not stressed when shooting. Keep your view on the basket. Remember to shift your eyes so they watch the rim’s back as you shoot. But if you want to do a layup, just pay attention to where you need to bounce the ball on the back board.
Do you feel ready to show others your game? You should practice these tips first. Get energized, motivated, and excited and then get out on the court! You should notice your game improving quite nicely as a result of practicing the skills taught in this article.