Practice is the best way to build your skills. However, why practice if you are not doing it properly to start? Use these tips to take your game to levels you never though possible before. You can do it.
If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. This should be something you do quickly. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.
Free throws are as mental as physical. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.
Never practice only against the zone. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.
If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.
When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.
Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. You have to be steady as you play quickly. Don’t attempt to play more quickly than your skills allow. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and excessive turnovers.
Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better. It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. Sometimes you have to face reality about your skills and just not dream about how you want to be.
A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.
If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.
You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. This will get you a rebound without having to commit a foul.
A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.
Regardless of your skill level in basketball, these tips will help you become even better. Every skill can be improved on. You will learn to play like a professional basketball player.