Practice is of the utmost importance if you are intent on improving your game. It is not only important to practice, but to improve through your practice as well. These hints will introduce you to some interesting basketball techniques that you can then practice on the court.
When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Basketball games are won with a good defense. If your team doesn’t have a good defense, you’re not going to make it far in a game.
Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Don’t look down, always look up.
Find out how to make free throw shots. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Practice this technique regularly. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Then repeat that when you take the shot.
Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Dribble while walking to the store. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.
It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. Taking a shot when you are off balance will probably lead to a turnover. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.
Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to 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. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.
Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.
When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.
Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.
You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.
Strength Training
Strength training can improve your game. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. It can help young kids get the exercise they need. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. When they become adults, strength training is critical to maintaining solid court performance.
When you dribble, bend your knees. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal. You only need to bend your knees slightly to improve your control of the basketball.
Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. Real game dribbling has a lot of variety. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. Because of this, you must be able to dribble efficiently regardless of your body’s position. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.
Serious basketball players take their diets seriously too. Carbs, fats and proteins all keep your energy levels at the right place. One way to keep your body in basketball shape is to incorporated grains and proteins into your diet. Conversely, avoid salt and sugar whenever you can.
When you’re getting down after catching the rebound, you should come down with spread out legs so that they’re wider than your shoulders to get good balance. Keep the hands on both sides of the ball, and make sure it stays close to the chest. Do not swing your elbows around or you may be hit with a foul.
It matters not how regularly you get to play basketball, because this advice will help each and every time you get the chance to hit the court. Use a single tip at a time and incorporate it into your game play. You can pass better, shoot better, rebound and make sure you get better all the time.