You’re passionate about basketball, and that is why you’ve chosen to read this article. So, are you ready for those helpful tips that can see you to improving your game? If so, then it’s time you got started, and prepare yourself for some great new knowledge to help you on the court.
It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are often won by the defense. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.
One of the first things you need to learn when it comes to basketball is how to guard the ball. To help develop the skills needed for this, ask your friends for a friendly game of basketball. Invite some players who are skilled to teach you how to guard the ball.
When you are in control of the ball, make sure you always pay attention to what is happening on the court. Know where the other players are. Don not stare at the ground. If you do, there is no way for you to have the type of court awareness that you need to be successful.
It is important to practice all the different types of basketball shots. Practice a combination of long shots, layups and short shots. This will help you become a great all-around basketball shooter. Additionally, you should practice free throw shots during your practice. By learning the different techniques, you can ensure you play well during the game.
Don’t dribble during your drills. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. This is very challenging at first, but eventually it will really improve your entire team’s passing game.
Practice playing by yourself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Practice free throws and layups. There is no shortage of things you can do.
A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Scan the court looking for openings to make a basket.
If you play organized basketball, keep track of your average fouls per minutes played. If you are not a starter who sees a lot of minutes, you want to know this just in case. You might get called on to put in a lot of minutes one game, or play repeated overtimes. The last thing you want to do is foul out because you aren’t used to playing so long.
Use two hands when trying to make shots. Have both thumbs on the ball so that they are almost touching. Put the ball over your head but be sure you are able to see what you are aiming for. When you shoot, aim for the backboard or give it a backspin by rolling your hands down while shooting.
Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.
When shooting free throws in basketball, make sure you properly line up with the basket. Your lead foot needs to be lined up with the rim’s center. If you’re right-handed, your lead foot will be the right foot. If your court has a hardwood floor, check it for a dot. If it has one, put your toe on it for a straighter shot.
To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.
You need to take a charge anytime you can. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand. This can hurt the other team’s players psychologically and can also be powerful when you’re creating plays.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the country, and your passion for the sport is going to show up on the court. Remember the helpful advice you have learned as you work on taking your game up a notch. With some practice and a desire to improve, you are going to be one good basketball player.
