To become a star in basketball, you need a lot of practice and a good work ethic. Even if you happen to be a purely recreational player, you probably still wish to play well. Reading the following article will help you become a skilled player.
It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.
Practice your free throw shot. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Practice this technique regularly. Start with the ball ahead of your face. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.
Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.
Bounce Passes
Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.
Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.
You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. That is okay. Solo games can help you immensely. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. You can always work on something.
To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.
Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.
Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.
If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the hoop. The dominant shoulder needs to be aligned correctly with the rim.
A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. In order to make your free throw perfect, you’ll need to practice the shot many times and get into a routine. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.
Be slick with your feet so you can get a rebound from a teammate. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball. This allows you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.
When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team. This may completely break the competition down.
If you want to perform your best in basketball, you need to eat well. You use a lot of fuel playing basketball so a lot of carbs is needed, as well as adequate protein and fats. You should eat more lean sources of protein, fruits and vegetables. Limit your consumption of salt and sugar.
It is necessary to be capable of altering the path of your opponent. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical. By doing this you will be able to go wherever you want on the court without their interference.
If the person whom you are guarding is bigger than you, you should be the barrier between this player and the player with the ball. This will make them not available for a pass which can help you to be sure that they can’t just get the ball and shoot over you.
You should be aware of your weaknesses in basketball. Do not overestimate your skills. If shooting foul shots has become worse, you need to keep on practicing. If you need work in the paint, toughen up and hit the weights harder. Work on weaknesses to become a better player all around.
Write down your plan for your workouts. A lot of players practice without a workout plan. Instead of practicing, they talk to friends and goof off. If you’re able to write down a workout routine you can start focusing on what you need to do without being too distracted.
Use these tips mentioned above and you’ll improve your game in no time. You’ll see small improvements daily while remembering these tips and practicing them. That three step plan will see you to success.