There is always more to learn about basketball. There have been lots of changes to the game over the years, and being up to date on everything is key. Do you want an advantage over other players? Continue reading to find out more.
To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.
Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.
Bounce Pass
Practice your bounce pass. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.
If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Strong footwork is key.
If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.
Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. When you know some of the other player’s moves, you’ll have a leg up during a game as you’ll be able to predict what he is going to do. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.
Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.
Free Throws
To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. You have to practice time and time again. Just keep repeating free throws, if you want to perfect that technique. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.
You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. This play gets your team possession of the ball and a foul against your opponent. This may completely break the competition down.
Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.
Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited. If you don’t shoot or pass, you have to pivot on the back foot. You leave the ball vulnerable to possible steal attempts and yourself open to being double teamed.
If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. Basketball uses a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to fuel your body with lean protein and whole grains. One way to keep your body in basketball shape is to incorporated grains and proteins into your diet. Salt and sugars should only been eaten rarely.
For example, a misfired shot launched from the corner of a basketball court usually hits the net, bounces off the site, and lands on the opposite side. Place yourself in position after this shot is made. You can get more rebounds by anticipating the ball trajectory.
Stopped Dribbling
You should never double dribble. To keep from double dribbling, simply refrain from starting to dribble a second time after you have already stopped dribbling once in that same possession. Remember that if you do stop dribbling, your options are limited to shooting or passing to a teammate. Once you have stopped dribbling you have to get rid of the ball. This will make a turnover occur which means the opponent will get the ball.
The best way to get through a zone defense is to penetrate with a controlled dribble. If you are able to get past your defender, the opposing team will have no option but to switch up their zones. If you are close enough, take the shot. If you spot an open teammate, get the ball outward to them for a easy shot opportunity.
Know what aspects of your game are weak. Maintain your personal integrity. Practice your problem areas more frequently than areas where you are strong. Try working on short shots and playing physically. Conquer all your weak points so you continue to mature into a great player.
You should now feel a new level of confidence about playing basketball. You need all the information you can get to get and stay on top. Never stop practicing and pushing yourself. Get better and make sure you don’t forget what you just learned.