To really enjoy the game of basketball, you need to have some basic knowledge of how the game is played. Are you lost? Don’t worry. Basketball is a fun game that is simple to learn. Read on and gather up some fun tips to help you better your skills and make the game more fun to watch.
Learn proper dribbling. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. This will give you better control of the basketball. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Never look at the ground. Always look up.
Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.
Errant Passes
Work on pass catches. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.
Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. Don’t fret! Solo games also help. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. You can always find things to work on.
Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.
During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.
Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. If you can pull it off, it’s effective to draw your opponents away from the shooter. That way the shooter gets a great look before shooting. You must practice this move with your teammates so that everyone on your team understands what is going on.
Ball Handling
Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. Don’t just think you’re able to stand around, catch the ball and then shoot it. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.
To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.
Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.
To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.
Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap. Then, have the forwards on blocks run to the wing players. This will cause the point guard to throw a pass that will allow your forwards to steal.
If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, you need to use it to brush your teeth and to do other simple tasks. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. This will show in your next match.
Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on. Once in the air, keep an eye on the target. But, be sure not to look at it beforehand. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.
Do off court exercises that will improve your game on the court. Sprinting will help you develop speed, while running long distances will help you develop great stamina. To play more physically, lift weights to make yourself a more dominating presence. Your shooting abilities are greatly enhanced by a more self-assured, aggressive mindset.
Try different shots from different places on the basketball court. Start out by practicing grip and balance. Even though it is less accurate, it is possible to score with off-balanced shooting. Perfect your grip by using the basketball valve. Spread the fingers of your dominant hand and put the center of your hand over the valve located at the center of the basketball.
Wasn’t that easy? Once you start playing, you will see exactly how much fun you can have. Take what you have learned in this article and apply it to your game today and you’ll be a better player in no time.