When people think of the most popular sports around, basketball usually tops the list. After all, who doesn’t like all the action a game of basketball provides? But, to really succeed at playing basketball, you need to do your research. The tips in the following article are sure to be of help.
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.
Practice makes perfect. This is especially true in basketball. Learning how to shoot a basket, how to dribble and how to pass a ball is important to playing good basketball. Spending as little as 30 minutes practicing a day can really help develop your game and make you a better player.
One of the hardest skills to learn in basketball is how to relax while shooting. Concentrating on the back of the rim or where you want the ball to hit on the backboard are great ways to practice this. It might seem strange learning how to relax, but the more you do it, the better prepared you will be come game time.
Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. There are other variables to consider though.
When you play basketball, be sure that you remain properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing. Becoming dehydrated can negatively affect your game and your health. It is possible to lose up to 2% of your body weight through dehydration. That can also cause between a 10% and 20% decrease in your athletic performance.
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.
Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.
As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in team. So don’t focus exclusively on trying to be the one to make all the winning points. Make sure you are just as determined to help your team members score their winning points as well. Being a team player means the whole team working together, each playing their own part to win the game.
To become a better ball handler, there are two key things you should focus on. Staying low while you dribble will make it harder for opponents to guard you and to steal the ball. Changing speeds is also important. By changing speeds while you move you’ll become more unpredictable to your opponent.
Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. When looking at the tape, don’t be too critical, but be honest. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.
Patience can be a key component to getting the best shot. Taking a perimeter jump shot from near the three point line while early into the offense is probably not the best idea. Instead, get into your half court set and begin looking for the open shot. Look down low for an easy basket or outside for an open three point shot.
Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. In order to make your free throw perfect, you’ll need to practice the shot many times and get into a routine. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.
Now you know what it takes to play the game of basketball like a pro. But, it is up to you to put these tips to good use and improve your skills on the court. Use this advice, and any other advice you may receive, to become the skilled player you have always wanted to be.
