The exciting pace of basketball is a key reason it is so loved. But, if you want to play your best on the court, you need to be aware of certain things. The following tips will help you take your game up a notch.
Practice hitting your free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Use this technique to better your game. Hold the ball level with your face. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Shoot on the same path you saw in your mind’s eye.
Look forward when dribbling. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Dribble as you walk to the market. Get used to looking up as you go so that you can focus your attention on the court and not on your hands and the ball.
If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. It has to be done fast to be effective. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.
Watch how the pros play basketball. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.
Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.
If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.
Free Throws
To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.
Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.
A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. A break in your routine will foul the shot.
To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.
To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. If the defense gets to be too much, look to pass the ball to someone who is open.
Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.
Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. If you never allow your feet to cross one another you will invariably be a very hard player to get passed.
Basketball can be one the most fun sports to play, but you must know the basics. You need a good knowledge base for basketball if you desire to get better. Become a better player by using the advice above.