Don’t worry about becoming Michael Jordan or LeBron James, focus on becoming the best player you can be. It takes years to be world-class players like they are, but you can improve your skills with hard work and dedication. Keep reading for tips that can help you to do that.
It’s easy to focus on offense when learning to play, but your practice time would be better spent on defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.
Crossovers are key for ball handlers. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. Once you master the art of the crossover dribble, you will be able to change directions quicker.
Get good at making free throws. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Practice often using the following technique. First, hold the ball just above your nose, about 8 inches from your face. Maintain focus on the basket and try to visualize your basketball falling through the hoop. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.
If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!
Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed. Relax, take your time and be focused.
Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.
Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. This will help to improve your game when it gets intense. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.
Avoid errant passes by using hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. If the signal is not used, then the pass should not be made to that player.
To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.
If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.
Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.
Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. They will probably notice the things you do best. Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.
If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. You’ll want to ensure that your shoulders are squared up towards the hoops. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.
Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Pay attention to open areas for passes, too.
Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.
When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.
If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it. When you get this move down, you will have an advantage.
Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.
To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. This helps to maintain balance throughout your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.
Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.
You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep. Don’t just think you can place yourself in one spot, wait for the ball then hoist up a shot. It is essential to move the ball around in order to succeed.
Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. That translates to smooth layups during fast breaks.
To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.
A key play on defense is to draw a charge. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.
You should ensure that you can clearly see. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. It allows you to view the game as a whole rather than simply watching the ball. In this way, you can be aware of the players around you.
Strength Training
Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. The offense will believe that you’re stopping or slowing down and may follow in your steps. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.
Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. In addition to strength, stamina is key in basketball. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As the teenage years approach, weights can be used for even greater impact. Once they transition into adulthood, strength training must continue to be a core part of their exercise routine.
Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Basketball is played by a team. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. You have to help everyone out. Speak with them and make them aware of when you require assistance so that all of you play better.
When on defense, try to keep yourself low whenever you can. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler. Be in the correct defensive stance all the time. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.
Try different shots from different places on the basketball court. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice. It is possible to make an off-balance shot, but it has less accuracy. The valve that’s on the basketball can be used to improve your grip. Center your dominant hand over the valve, and spread your fingers out from there.
Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling. You may see an open court but there are opponents ready to swarm you. Going through the court will be easier if you can quickly adjust your direction without interrupting your dribbling. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.
The position you adopt before, during, and immediately following a rebound has an effect on your ability to keep possession of the ball. Jump with both feet for improved power and balance and retrieve the ball with both hands. After rebounding, land with wide feet to keep your balance, and clutch the ball to your chest.
Now that you know what needs to be done, go practice and become the best player you can be. You need to develop confidence and practice consistently. Keep this advice in mind and show your skills off.
Be sure to give your footwork plenty of practice. Be aware of where you feet go as far as playing certain positions and pivoting goes. Being quick footed will help you be able to get in the right position. Feet have to move fast while keeping you balanced.
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