Basketball is a sport that has been much loved by young and old alike for decades. However, many people don’t know all the ins and outs. The following article will help anyone understand basketball better and become an improved player.
Learn proper dribbling. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. This helps you to control the ball better. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.
Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. There are other variables to consider though.
Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.
Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.
To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Also, keep your palm off the ball. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.
Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. If you want to play the game fast, you need to drill continuously. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. By playing beyond your speed capabilities, you will quickly lose control of the ball, which will lead to bad passes, bad shots, and turnovers.
Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. You have to get the ball around, too.
Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.
Can you see well? You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. Having good court awareness to see everything around you lets you see plays develop before they happen, either by warding off the defenders or getting the ball to open teammates.
To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it. This also can significantly help your basketball game.
Bend your knees when dribbling the basketball. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it. Some minor bending of the knees makes a big difference in your ability to control the ball.
To keep your opponent on their toes, keep your dribbling steady and regular, then surprise them. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Perfecting this can make you nearly unstoppable on the court.
If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. In order to be skilled at basketball you need to load up on carbs to give yourself plenty of energy. For example, you might incorporate whole grain products, lean means, nuts, and peanut butter into your meals. Limit your consumption of salt and sugar.
No one can deny that basketball is loved by many cultures. Learning the game will not only help you enjoy watching the sport, it will also help you play better. Utilize the techniques discussed in this article to help you better understand the game.