Basketball is one of the most popular sports around. From playing a friendly game of hoops in the backyard with friends, to watching professionals on the big stage, the sport of basketball has come a very long way. Of course, most people who play wish to learn to do their best at the game so they can win. The following article has excellent tips that will show you how to better your basketball playing skills.
When you are practicing your shooting, make sure that you practice shots that you may be required to make during a game. You should try to shoot the ball while moving around, standing still, and right after you receive a pass. You can have someone toss you a ball while you’re running in order to practice taking a shot after the ball has been passed to you.
Make your passes quick and precise. This takes practice, but you can improve your passing skills over time. Find someone else who wants to improve their passing and run drills with them. Running up and down the court passing and dribbling will eventually become second nature and help you with your game.
Always protect the ball when you are in possession of it. Keep your dribble off to the side of your body to make it more difficult for another player to steal the ball. While you generally want to avoid dribbling in front of you, you can do so if there are no other players in your immediate vicinity.
As you dribble, bring your body down just a little closer to the ground. This will make it easier to bounce the ball. If the ball has a shorter distance to travel between the ground and your hand, you are less likely to make a mistake that leads to a turnover.
If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.
To be successful with free throws, you need to be sure you’re taking the best approach. When at the foul line, have your feet about a shoulder’s width apart. Now, use both hands to dribble the ball. Bend your knees and and picture the ball going into the basketball as you take your shot.
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.
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.
If you want to become a better dribbler, do it blindfolded. If you aren’t using your eyes to watch where the ball is, you can instead use them to see where other players are or where the net is. You shouldn’t have to stare at the ball as you dribble.
If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. You can learn a lot by watching how you play and what you need to concentrate practicing on.
In order to play basketball you need to have good legs and be free from injuries. Unfortunately many people who play basketball develop injuries to their ankles. You can prevent these injuries by getting yourself a good pair of basketball shoes. Although they are pricier these days, it’s well worth it if you want to prevent those horrible ankle injuries.
You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop. This will get you a rebound without having to commit a foul.
Bettering your game can be done in many ways. Most of what you learned simply requires a lot of repetitive practice to hone your skills. Practice is essential to mastering any of these, so be sure that you’ve got access to a hoop and try to play basketball when you can. Whether you practice with a team, with friends or with younger people, it’s all about loving the game and making your skills better.
