The right advice and professional information is all it takes to get started in the right direction. Are you not quite sure what the score is? Never fret! Basketball is easy to learn and fun to play as you gain skill. Keep reading for slam-dunk tips you can use as you play or watch.
If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.
Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.
Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. There are many factors which come into play, though.
Free Throw
Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.
In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.
Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.
Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Trick them using a back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Then, put the ball around your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.
Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. Don’t worry! You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You can always work on something.
During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.
A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.
In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. Otherwise, the opponents will win all the shots and dominate you. Rather, move first; attack their rhythm.
To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. The standard line and college lines are much closer. If you can hit from NBA range, you can get open looks at a deeper range than a defense is probably going to mind you (until you start hitting).
To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot. Look at your target while you’re in the air, but not before that. This will mimic game conditions and help improve your accuracy.
Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform. Basically the only move you have at this point is to pivot while finding an opening to move the ball. This leaves you vulnerable to being double teamed by members of the opposing team, and it is far more likely that the ball will be stolen.
If possible, the action should remain below your knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. This also allows you to cover large distances across the court, which makes it difficult for opposing players o block you.
If you want to play better, communicate with your teammates so you know what they intend to do. A good basketball team consists of players who understand that this is not an individual sport. Meaning offense and defense is played, not just one on one. The whole team has to work together. Communicate well with your teammates about the help you need, and everyone wins.
Practice all kinds of shots from various spots on the court. You need to practice your grip and balance. It is possible to make a shot when your balance is off, but it is a lot less likely. You can use the valve to find your perfect grip. Keep your dominant hand spread out, and place the palm on top of the valve; this is the basketball’s center.
It’s not that hard. You’ve learned a couple basic tricks, so now you can get out there and start enjoying the game. If you are prepared to make a change, now is the best time to do so. While you may not be the next NBA star, you will improve nonetheless.