Men and women, young and old alike, enjoy basketball as a sport. People of all ages can enjoy a fun and exciting basketball game. You can really impress your friends with the techniques you’ll learn here. Are you interested in becoming a better player? Read the tips in this article to find out how to improve your moves on the court.
A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.
It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.
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 a lot with the following method. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Focus on the basket and picture the ball slipping into the net. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.
Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.
Keep your head up when you dribble. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.
Receiving Player
To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. These players are using creative improvisation. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.
It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. There are many factors which come into play, though.
Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.
Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.
Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. 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. These skills require solid footwork.
You should practice pass catching regularly. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.
You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.
To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Don’t get discouraged if it is hard initially’ because the gains you will make are sure to be worthwhile.
Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.
Never try to push through pain after an injury. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.
Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.
A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.
Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This is a great way to fake out your opponents. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. It can be quite powerful.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.
When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.
To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Your defensive moves must be aggressive and executed properly. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. This will give your opponent the advantage. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.
In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. If you master this, you will be able to quickly take layups.
To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.
Never pass up a charging opportunity. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.
Change your pace up to throw the offense off. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. Your opponent will see you as stopping, then will also stop themselves. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.
One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position. Keep in mind that your feet shouldn’t cross and this should make you good at defense.
You should practice your dribbling while switching your balance from right to left. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. You may have an open court, by you’re just as likely to be swarmed by multiple opponents. Remember to dribble while leaning in various directions. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.
Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. You will have the guard think that you’re slowing down. In turn, they will straighten themselves. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.
A corner shot often bounces to the opposite end of the court. Pay attention to this as you prepare for a rebound.
Where you are before and following a rebound is going to mean the difference between possessing the ball or giving it to the other team. For better power and balance, jump using both feet and take the basketball with both of your hands. Once you gain possession of the ball, your feet should be positioned more widely than your shoulders. Hold the ball near your chest and regain your balance upon landing.
Be sure not to double dribble. If you start, stop and then begin again, that is double dribbling. Once dribbling is done, you must either shoot or pass the ball. You’re not allowed to start dribbling again. Doing so results in a turnover, which means the opposing team will get the ball.
Take advantage of a player that shows weakness with a particular hand by forcing them to that side. If that player is right-handed, move in the player’s direction on your left foot. This will force the player to switch hands. Your head should be parallel to their chest and your body should be low since this is the best way to prepare to steal the ball.
Take advantage of a player that shows weakness with a particular hand by forcing them to that side. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand. Make your head parallel to their chest to be sure that you have your body low and get prepared to go for the ball.
Confidence is key in the game of basketball, and everything you’ve read here should have improved yours. You are now in possession of some of the best kept secrets of basketball. This is supposed to be a fun game! Remember that winning is its own reward.
It is important to know what to do when the ball comes to you. Should you shoot it or pass it? You’ll feel better if you’re able to help your teammates score the winning shot than you would if you cost your team the game.
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