To become a star in basketball, you need a lot of practice and a good work ethic. This is true even if you only want to play for fun. Reading the information here should help you make some improvements in your future basketball games.
A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Defense is what wins basketball games. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.
Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Don’t look down, always look up.
Practice your free throw shot. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Practice constantly using this tip. Place the ball right in line with your face. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Then, shoot the ball using the trajectory you pictured.
Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. It should be done quickly. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.
In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.
A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.
You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.
Core Muscles
If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.
When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.
Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. You can use this information to improve your game. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. Practice and repetition are the only way to become a consistent free thrower. You will probably miss your shot if the routine you use is not perfect.
You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes. Peripheral vision is important during game play. If you scan the entire court instead of keeping your eye on the basketball, you will be aware of oncoming defensive pressure as well as the positions of your open teammates.
Basketball players need to engage in strength training. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. When they become teens, try using weights to keep enhancing their exercises. When they become an adult, weight training becomes mandatory.
You should always bend your knees while dribbling. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. Your ball control will improve dramatically by simply bending a little at the knees.
You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Keep it slightly up when you dribble with your opposite hand.
Missed Shot
A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. When someone is going for a corner shot, try to anticipate where a missed shot would land so you can be there for the rebound.
It is time for you to take the tips here and put them into action. You’ll start to notice improvement in small increments as you start to apply these tips. Before you know it, you will be a superior player.