When you’re working on playing basketball, you’re not going to know everything all at once. Things change on a regular basis and there are different tactics you can use. Are you looking for a jump on your opponents? Continue reading so that you can learn new things that may give you an edge.
Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Carry your basketball everywhere. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.
It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.
Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.
Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.
Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Do you do something particularly well? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.
Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Whether you are passing or shooting the ball, your fingers are the only part of your hand that should be touching the ball.
Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.
You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.
Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.
If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. If you can become more dexterous with it in all aspects of your life, you will be bettering your control of it. This is bound to carry over to the court.
Bend your knees when dribbling the basketball. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. You will gain a lot of ball control by bending your knees just a bit.
Practice dribbling by switching momentum. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. You’ll have people guarding you on all sides. You must know how to dribble effectively by leaning your body in both directions. This allows you to extricate yourself from high-pressure situations.
Use your hand to create a barrier between the ball and your opponent. You never want to push the opponent with your hand, but it is possible to use your free hand to secure the ball. Hold your arm slightly elevated as you dribble with the opposite hand.
Diet is essential when it comes to playing ball. When you play regularly, you need plenty of carbs for more energy, along with protein and fats. Smart thigns to include in your diet are peanut butter, wheat breads, chicken and nuts. Stay away from salt and sugar as much as possible.
Hopefully, these great tips have given you confidence. These tips are designed to show you how to be the best player that you can be. Just keep learning and practicing to stay at the top of your game. Keep these tips in mind and be the best basketball player you can be!