Basketball is a classic sport which is loved by all. Not everyone knows how to play basketball well, however. This article will help to fine tune your basketball skills.
If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Understand your strengths and use it to your advantage to help your team win!
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.
You have to know how to bounce pass properly. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. Of course, there are also other factors involved.
Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.
Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. During a game, not all of your passes will hit the mark. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.
Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.
Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.
Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. When you get this move down, you will have an advantage.
Practice playing by yourself. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. That’s OK! There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. There is no shortage of things you can do.
Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. To do this, avoid lurching or stepping across the floor; instead use smaller, shuffling steps to move with your opponent. If you never allow your feet to cross one another you will invariably be a very hard player to get passed.
When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.
Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. You need both strength and endurance if you are going to excel. Even younger kids will benefit from strength training. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.
See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. What areas are your strong points? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.
Keep low when you play defense. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something. Maintain your proper defensive stance no matter what. You should return to this position immediately after leaving it to block or defend.
When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on 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. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.
If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. If you can become more dexterous with it in all aspects of your life, you will be bettering your control of it. This will make you a force to be reckoned with on the court.
When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.
To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. The line in every other league is closer. If you make your shots from where the NBA players shoot, you will improve your skills and increase your range.
A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.
Practice dribbling as you sway your body from side to side. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game. It would be great if you are always able to go full speed ahead, but more times than not you will need to move and flow with the defense in front of you. You must learn dribbling from all kinds of directions. It will help you when you need it most.
Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.
Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Distance running will help with stamina and sprinting can help with individual plays. Additionally, weightlifting and resistance training will help you develop the muscles needed for those long distance shots. Your shooting abilities are greatly enhanced by a more self-assured, aggressive mindset.
You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. An aggressive approach is an effective one for this purpose. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. This will give your opponent the advantage. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
You have to know how to change the path of your opponent. Whether you are playing offense or defense, it is important to control the moves of your opponent. Doing so makes it easier for you to navigate the court without interference from the other player.
Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t ever believe you’re going to be able to stand still, receive a pass and take a shot. While this does happen on occasion, you should be moving in order to execute the play.
Double Dribble
One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance. You are less likely to be guarded, the farther you are from the basket.
Do not double dribble. This occurs when you halt the dribble once, only to begin dribbling immediately thereafter. Remember that if you do stop dribbling, your options are limited to shooting or passing to a teammate. You aren’t able to start dribbling again. If you double dribble the ball will be given to the other team.
Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense. If you decide not to shoot or pass, all you can do is pivot on your rear foot. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.
Make sure you leap for a rebound while in control of your body, and try to land with balance, and you are more likely to end up with the ball. Jumping with both feet creates a more balanced, powerful motion. During the jump, use both hands to gain possession of the basketball. When you land, ensure your feet are beyond shoulder width apart and hold the ball near your chest.
Force your opponent to use his weaker hand. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand. Keep your head parallel to their chest and be ready to take away the ball.
If the person whom you are guarding is bigger than you, you should be the barrier between this player and the player with the ball. This prevents them from getting easy passes, and hopefully prevents them from catching the ball and shooting it over your head.
You should try to remain calm while you are shooting. Focus on the basketball hoop. Remember to shift your eyes so they watch the rim’s back as you shoot. But if you want to do a layup, just pay attention to where you need to bounce the ball on the back board.
If a team plays a zone defense, make use of a penetrating dribble to get past them. This can help you to break up the defense. If you think you can make the shot, then go for it. If you spot an open teammate, pass the ball so that they have an easier shot.
Passing should be a focus if you want to improve your game. Passing moves the ball quicker and confuses the opposing team. Being a team player will get your team to appreciate you. At some point during a game you will have to show off your own skills. Those moments will come, but you need to be a team player first and foremost.
For players that are advanced in basketball, dribbling works on a mental and a physical level. You have to control how the ball spins, how hard it hits and where the ball lands in relationship to where your legs and feet are. Try to change up how you’re shifting the body and the momentum so you’re keeping the defense on their toes.
You should never argue with an official. You can disagree with an official’s call and ask questions about it. Being belligerent and confrontational is not how you win in a team sport. Never lose your temper with the referees, no matter what you think of their calls.
Communicating well with your teammates is crucial. Communication should be an important part of any team building exercise. Create a system of hand signals to communicate with teammates. You have to come up with signals to tell them when to move to the left, right, forward and backward.
There are different types of defense, but two of the most important ones are known as zone and man-to-man. In the latter, you guard a particular area on the court as opposed to guarding single players. In man-to-man, you’re guarding a single opponent. “Switch man-to-man” means the player you guard switches based on the situation.
Basketball has been very appealing to most people. You have to have the right information to truly enjoy and play the game, though. This information will help you to get your skills to the highest level.
By focusing, you’ll learn drills quicker. This definitely includes practicing drills because this is especially a time when minds can wander. When you focus on the game, your muscles will learn better.
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