If you arrived here looking to understand the game of basketball then you’ve come to the right place. In order to begin to follow the game you will need to know the basic rules. The following article offers you excellent tips on what to look out for when a basketball game is on.
Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.
Never adopt the attitude that the shoes make the player. The latest and supposedly greatest basketball shoes on the market are probably overrated and not truly tested. They also are likely made in the same factory as cheaper shoes that aren’t name brand. Just focus on a decent pair of shoes and the concentrate on your skills.
When trying to pass the ball to your teammate, the chest pass is one of the most effective. To do the chest pass, have your knees bent while you step into the pass. Then, make sure your thumbs are facing down and that the ball is coming off of your fingertips.
Shoot at least a hundred free throws every day. Not only does this make you a better free throw shooter, but it helps all your shooting. You can step on a court any day of the week familiar with the sight and sound of you putting the ball in the goal. This gives you serious mental confidence, regardless of how or where you actually shoot.
Remember that refs don’t see, catch or call everything. You’re going to get fouled sometimes and not hear the whistle. Just remember that works both ways. You will also get away with some fouls that aren’t called. Respect the refs, but remember that they don’t determine the winner and loser.
Good shooters rely on the perimeter shot, so practice getting open to get these key shots. A good play to run is having a post player work the ball down low and then pass it back out once the defense collapses. Run a drill during practice where the only shots you take are those from passes coming from inside the paint.
Be careful about trying to block shots. In most organized leagues, blocking the shot on the way down or when in the imaginary cylinder above the net results in a goaltending call. This just gives the opponent the attempted points, whether they would have made the shot or not anyway.
When it comes to making the shot, the key is to hold the ball the right way. Practice makes perfect, so hold your hands like they are claws and space out your fingers. Hold the ball with your fingers, not your palm. Hold the ball in your hand while watching TV to build your muscles.
You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball. Don’t ever believe you’re going to be able to stand still, receive a pass and take a shot. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.
Move without the basketball. Running the baseline has advantages. You can possibly lose your defender in the paint for a second and become open. At the very least you might distract the ball defender’s attention for just a second. Even if you can’t get open, set a screen for who has the ball.
Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. When that happens, push ahead and run past.
Box out every opportunity that you can. If you do not box out, you are going to find yourself sitting warmly on the bench after every break. When the rebound is there, take charge and get the coach’s attention with your awesome skill. Work this out in practice and apply it during the game.
Pay attention to who has the hot hand. If a player on either team makes more than two or three consecutive baskets they are “on fire” as the saying goes. If they’re on your team, do what you can to make sure their streak keeps going to help your team. If it’s an opponent, put a little more defensive pressure on him.
Many basketball players want to gain weight to play more physically. This is especially true for taller players who play near the basket. To gain weight, lift weights and eat a balanced diet, including a lot of fruits and vegetables. Of course you should know not to use steroids to gain muscle mass.
Maintain a rhythm to the dribble until you are ready to surprise the opponent. Consistent dribbling followed by fast dribbling can confuse your opponent and put you in place for a shot. The speed is important, but it works in tandem with the sound to disorient the player who is guarding you.
What you eat can affect how you play. When you play regularly, you need plenty of carbs for more energy, along with protein and fats. One way to keep your body in basketball shape is to incorporated grains and proteins into your diet. Avoid using excessive sugar and salt.
Take control of opposing players’ movements. Whether you’re playing offense or defense, controlling what the other player does is essential. Doing so lets you control your path, not them.
As stated above, knowing about basketball begins when you understand all the simple rules. There really isn’t much to it, all it takes is a bit of studying. Thankfully you just read an informative article that provided you the basic rules about the game of basketball. Keep this material close next time you want to know what’s going on.
