Your first game of basketball was likely an amazing, exciting new experience. You probably learned how to dribble the ball and make a shot. Now you may feel that you know quite a bit about the game. Keep reading though, you just might find out there’s a lot more to learn.
In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. These players are using creative improvisation. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.
Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.
Should you receive an injury during the course of the game, never try to continue playing despite the pain. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. If the pain is bad, visit a doctor.
Keep your eye on the ball. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.
Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.
Always be aware of your feet. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.
Free Throw
High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.
When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. It can be very confusing to your opponents. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.
To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.
Dribble the ball hard to keep it from being stolen. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.
Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice. This helps give your team the advantage, and allows you to drive the center.
Keep the ball below knee level if possible. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen. You need to bend a bit more for this to succeed, but you will be able to traverse the court rapidly while keeping opponents at bay.
Keep the lines of communication with other players open. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed. It is not all about one-on-one offense or defense. By communicating, you can work together more efficiently. Talk to your teammates when you need help, so that you’re all on the same page.
Having good positioning on the court when trying to grab a rebound will help you keep the ball. Jump using both feet for increased power and stability and grab the ball using both 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.
Nothing is impossible with the game of basketball, now that you have these tips. Keep in mind that it takes work and a lot of practice to be a great basketball player. With these tips and lots of practice, soon enough you will see lots of improvements to your game.