Basketball is one of those sports that everyone should learn how to play at some point or another. If you are one of those people that needs to learn or perhaps you just want to polish up some new skills, then this article is for you. The following tips are prepared to enhance any level of play.
When you’re passing the ball, make sure that you pass the ball to the location of where the person should be headed. You don’t want your pass to be the reason a person needs to slow down or double back. Your pass should be aimed for a little bit in front of the person that you are passing to.
When you’re dribbling the ball, you should avoid looking down at the ball. You should be able to dribble without staring at the ball. If you can dribble without seeing the ball, you’ll be able to keep your eyes on the rest of the game. This will help you to know who is open for a pass or if you have a chance to take a shot.
If you feel you’ve been spending too much time on the the bench, ask your basketball coach what you can do to help the team the next time you are in practice. Hang on every word he or she says. This will demonstrate your intense interest in helping the team win by improving your own play and should get you more game time!
Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.
Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. It is important that you see how other people play the game. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.
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.
You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.
Learn how to be patient and trust your teammates during games. Many players fall into the trap of not passing the ball and trying to do it all themselves. You need to trust them and pass the ball. This is a team sport and passing is part of what helps your team win games.
Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.
As you develop your ability to shoot a basketball, try practicing on one foot only. This will improve many areas of your play, including accuracy when shooting. As you get better, move to practicing your shot from greater distances. Only after you master the basic techniques will you truly get better at long distance shots.
If you are going to get rebounds in basketball, it is important to get between the person you are guarding and the basket. Then back up against that person and start moving him away from the basket. This way, if he tries to go through you or over you to get the rebound, he has to foul you.
Good rebounding is a key aspect of a success basketball player, so practice rebounds and jumping. Many easy baskets come from the second, third or even fourth shot taken. Practice getting your own rebounds. It is very common for a ball to hit off the rim and head right back towards you.
Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.
Whether a rookie or a professional, you can improve your game by remembering these fundamentals. Practice as often as possible and learn to handle the ball like a pro. Basketball becomes much more entertaining when you are able to keep pace with the other players. These tips can help you keep that pace and even surpass it.
