A wonderful thing about basketball is that it’s not a complicated sport to understand at a basic level. You can pick up the basics in a few short minutes. However, there is always more to learn if you want to be a better basketball player, and the following advice will help you get started.
Dribble the ball correctly. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead. This gives you the best ball control. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.
Bounce Pass
Perfect your bounce pass. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.
Do not practice solely against zone defense. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.
If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.
You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. Trying to continue playing even if you’ve got discomfort can make the injury worse. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.
What do your teammates admire about your skills? You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. When you find out what they think, you may learn a lot.
A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.
Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. This speeds up the dribbling cycle, which means the person covering you has less of a chance to steal the ball each cycle. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.
Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Don’t ever allow your feet to cross to become a hard player to pass.
Always bend the knees while dribbling. 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. Just a little bending at the knees can make a huge difference in your overall ball control.
Make sure your dribble is consistent until you decide to shake up the opposing player. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage. When they are focused on stealing the ball, your change in rhythm can really throw them off.
Anticipate where the ball will go. For instance, corner shots usually bounce off the rim, ending up on the opposite side. In this situation, you must anticipate the path of the ball to gain possession of the rebound.
Make your opponent dribble with their weak hand. For example, take a step to your right to force a right-handed player to step out of his or her comfort zone. Your body should be lowered slightly and your head must be even with the player’s chest.
You should try to remain calm while you are shooting. Maintain focus on the basket. Focus on the area of the basket where you want your shot to go. If you wish to do a lay-up, move them to the backboard needed for banking the ball off.
When you’re in possession of the ball you have to know when a shot should be made or a pass needs to be. It’s much better being a piece in your team’s winning shot than being the one player with the shot that costs your team the game.
For more advanced players in basketball, dribbling is a mental and physical task. You control the spin of the ball, where it lands and how hard. Try changing up your momentum and shifting your body so that your defender is always on their toes.
Maybe you are just starting out with basketball when you read this article. Perhaps you played a match or two as a child. Whatever the case may be, you should be able to use what you’ve learned here so you can do better at basketball. Try this advice out whenever you can play.