Basketball is a sport loved by millions and played all over the globe. To some it is an obsession. Keeping fans happy relies on giving them something that they can cheer about. It takes practice and a willingness to work on all aspects of the game. You can be a better basketball player. These tips will help you become a better basketball player.
Improving your flexibility will greatly help you during a game. If you’re flexible, you’ll be able to move around defenders better. Flexibility will help you to move better when you’re being blocked. You’ll be able to do more moves than others which will result in you getting the change to score or pass freely without being blocked.
When you have the ball, make sure you change your direction frequently. The entire court is open to you, and it is important to take advantage of that fact. As you move to the right or the left, make sure you shift your weight accordingly to have the easiest experience moving with the ball.
Once you’ve passed the basketball while on offense, consider doing a hard cut straight towards the basket. Sometimes this action will break your man-to-man coverage or, at the very least, confuse the zone you are playing against. It can open you up for an easy lay up or distract the defense long enough for an easy perimeter shot for whoever currently has the ball.
Try yoga to improve your basketball game. You might not want to tell your teammates about it, since some of them are going to likely laugh. However, the increased flexibility and agility you get helps prevent injuries or at least leaves able to get back up quicker when you get knocked down. Don’t laugh; Kareem Abdul-Jabaar used it to extend his NBA career.
In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.
Learn to pass more in basketball, even if it means giving up a good shot. Unless your team is down and must have the score, letting other players take a chance will improve the team as a whole. Taking all the shots that you can will cause other players and probably the coach to view you as selfish and not a true team player.
As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.
Knowing how to handle the basketball is an important step in becoming a good player. Work hard to perfect your dribble with your weaker hand. The ability to dribble the ball well with both hands will keep opponents guessing. When you are able to take off dribbling to the right or the left, opponents will have a hard time predicting where you will go.
If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.
Ball control is an essential skill for good basketball playing. One simple drill to improve your control is to use a ball in each hand for dribbling practice. Bounce one ball first and then just a second after, bounce the other. Alternate the bounce as you move down the court. As you gain more control, pick up the pace.
Set up an obstacle course with chairs or pylons and then dribble around them. This will help you learn how to get around opponents while keeping control of the ball. As you get better, make sure your back is to the obstacle as you go by to protect the ball from it.
If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.
Become a great athlete. There are few great basketball players out there who aren’t also superb athletes in general. This is a very athletic sport, so prepare for it by playing all sorts of athletic games. This can be running, swimming, cycling, you name it. All of these sports will add to your abilities on the court.
When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. This helps your reaction time against your opponent. Maintain proper defensive position at all times. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.
There is a lot to know when it comes to basketball. When a player is better, their team is better, which in turn means fans are happier. From the players of a team to the fans in the crowd, everyone involved in a game plays a major role in it. As a player, your part is the give the team all the help you can. Make it a priority to become the kind of teammate you would want to have.
