Few sports are quite so thrilling to watch and play as basketball. There is something about racing down the court and tossing up a shot that is very exciting. However, you also want to make sure your shots go in. To improve your game, read the advice in the following article.
Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Basketball games are often won by the defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.
Dribble the ball correctly. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. You retain much more ball control this way. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Always look upwards, never at the ground.
One of the most important things to understand is when to make the shot. Taking a dangerous shot can result in the ball being overturned. If you do not feel comfortable making the shot, pass it to a teammate and either let them make the shot or get into a better position to make the shot.
When rebounding, start moving as soon as the shooter uncoils. When you react and move quicker, you better anticipate their moves and get more rebounds. When they start to uncoil, start contact by blocking them out. Make sure to do the same thing on offense since the shooter will most likely try to uncoil after the rebound. This can boost your number of rebounds.
To become a good rebounder, learn how to box out your opponent properly. The idea is that when a shot is taken, you turn towards the basket and block your opponent from getting a good position to rebound. The best rebounders have mastered this skill and own the space right near the basket.
Learn the positions on a basketball court. Each position has different roles to fill on both offense and defense. There are guards, point guards, forwards, power forwards, and centers. If you want to really enjoy basketball, learn the needs of all of the positions, not just the one you are most interested in.
Learn to pass more in basketball, even if it means giving up a good shot. Unless your team is down and must have the score, letting other players take a chance will improve the team as a whole. Taking all the shots that you can will cause other players and probably the coach to view you as selfish and not a true team player.
A player’s free-throw percentage is generally much higher than their field goal percentage. While part of this has to do with being in action with defenders right on you when shooting field goals, the other part is the dedicated form and practice put into this “free” shot. Be sure you spend some time practicing your free throws during each practice.
There may be sneaky or subversive moves that you can make in an attempt to won a game but they are not worth it. Your teammates and fans deserve a player to be proud of, not one whose actions they have to defend. Be a player that your team and the opposing team can both respect.
Speed and agility is important, but you need to know how to practice to improve those skills. Running yourself ragged by training for long lengths of time or by running long distances won’t benefit your play on the court. Instead, practice sprints and other short bursts of exercise. This better mimics how on the court play really is.
If you find that you think you can being a coach is so easy then go do it. Gather up some younger friends and make a practice team with them. Sometimes it can help a lot to see how it is to try and be a coach who has so many players to manage. You may find a new respect for your coach after that.
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.
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. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. You will probably miss your shot if the routine you use is not perfect.
Once you start to use these tips when you play, you will see a dramatic improvement in your game. Your shots will fall more frequently, you will be a better defender, and your understanding of the game will be on a whole new level. Use this advice to maximize your potential on the court.
