He shoots, he scores! Few things are more exciting than a fast-paced game of basketball. You can enjoy playing no matter your age or your skill. All you need is a ball and a hoop. To get the most out of your next game of basketball, make use of these tips.
When you dribble a basketball, you are supposed to use your fingertips. Many people think you are supposed to use your palm, but this is incorrect. Using the tips of your fingers when you are dribbling the ball will result in you being able to dribble more in a shorter amount of time.
To become a better dribbler in basketball, practice with your eyes closed. This will help you to be able to dribble while keeping a close watch on the action of the game. Be sure to practice while you’re moving too, so that you can dribble and maneuver around the court without ever having to look down at the ball.
When shooting the basketball, it is important to maintain good balance. Jumping and leaning to the right or the left can result in a missed goal. Learn to jump straight up while maintaining your balance for best results. You can practice this by running and shooting the ball during your practice time.
Free throws are mental as well as physical. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.
Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.
Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. When you are prepared, you play better defense.
Stick with the same routine every time that you do free throws. You have 10 seconds to shoot, so you can use that short period of time as you like. You can bounce the ball a couple times, spin it within your hands, talk to yourself, etc. Try to be creative and find a routine that works best for you. You will eventually get more comfortable with this shot by doing the same routine over and over.
To get a good workout at practice, dribble back and forth on the court. Start by running to the free throw line, then go back to the end of the court. Then dribble to the middle and then go back, then to the far free throw line and then go back again, and then the entire length of the court.
To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.
You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.
Keep your knees loose when you dribble the ball. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. Bending your knees slightly will enable you to control the ball more efficiently.
To warm up your hands for a game, hold the ball ahead of your chest then slap it hard as you pass it from one hand to the other. This helps you to truly get a feel for the ball while the blood begins to flow through your hands, getting them ready to play.
If you have a defender right in front of you, consider using an overhead pass. You can throw the ball so high that the defender can’t reach it, protecting it from their grasp. Aim high on the person intended to receive it so they can catch it near their chin.
Work on dribbling the ball while switching the momentum of the body from side to side. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice. There may be times when you are covered by multiple opponents; however, there may be times when you have the whole court in front of you. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.
When attempting to grab a rebound, use both of your hands. Just like you are sturdier when you stand on two feet, you will have more control of the ball if you grab it with both of your hands. This will also help you protect it from any opposition you might face.
Practice inbounding the ball. It may sound simple, passing the ball into a teammate from off-court. But your opposing team will do everything it’s power to steal the ball or create a 5-second violation. This often includes tough to work around man-to-man coverage. Inbounding is a specific skill, and the practice can change the tide of a game.
Try to make all the way up the court in five dribbles. That may sound like it’s impossible, but when you are able to do that in practice, during any game that you play, it will be much easier for you to glide up the court and take a shot.
It’s a slam dunk! Once you start putting this tips into practice, the sky is the limit for your game. Whether you are a casual player or a serious athlete, you can find some piece of advice that will make you a better player. Start using these tips right away.
