Now’s the time to learn all about basketball. As a devotee of basketball, your goal is to become the best. When it comes to basketball, as with most things in life, you can always learn more. This article will probably teach you some things you don’t already know. Read on to learn all new tips and tricks to improve your basketball game.
Practice your defense more than your offense. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.
You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.
Keep your footwork in mind while playing defense. Taking short steps will give you a better foothold on your opponent. Remember to push off your front foot. When you take long steps, it is more difficult to defend against a driving opponent. Check your distance from your opposing player by extending one arm.
Keeping calm and reacting maturely to getting beat is as important to your game as anything else. If your opponent has played harder and has out-hustled you, don’t get upset or stressed out, as your game will only suffer. Instead, think about how to match the intensity of your opponent. Beat them at their own game.
Where loose fitting shorts and a sports shirt that lets you move. Basketball is a very physical sport. There’s a lot of running, a lot of physical contact, and a ton of jumping. You want to wear clothes that let you move as well as possible. If you don’t, you’ll find your time on the court to be pretty miserable.
As you attempt to keep up your skills in the off-season, make sure you have fun with your fitness routine. Mix things up and include workouts that focus on endurance, strength and basic basketball skills. When the new season rolls around, you will feel sharp and be ready to go!
Always keep your head up while dribbling. You will not be able to see an open teammate if you are looking at the ball. You also will not be able to see what kinds of defenses the opposing team is playing if you are looking at the ball while dribbling.
Knowing how to handle the basketball is an important step in becoming a good player. Work hard to perfect your dribble with your weaker hand. The ability to dribble the ball well with both hands will keep opponents guessing. When you are able to take off dribbling to the right or the left, opponents will have a hard time predicting where you will go.
The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Get them outside their comfort zone. Execute your moves with aggression. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. If you let them, they’ll totally take the control from you. You should make the initial move and throw them off.
Move without the basketball. Running the baseline has advantages. You can possibly lose your defender in the paint for a second and become open. At the very least you might distract the ball defender’s attention for just a second. Even if you can’t get open, set a screen for who has the ball.
Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.
Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. Your defender will likely think you are taking a shot or passing, and straighten up as well. Like them, push and run past them.
If you want to be a better jump shooter, learning the proper way to jump is one way to improve. It is extremely important your jump does not drift from side to side. If you begin to drift your shooting arm will lose aim at the basket. Jumping straight up and coming straight down will increase your accuracy and consistency.
Put the ball in your hands as much as you can during off-time. You might have seen ball players holding the ball in random places, and there’s a reason for that. The more you hold the ball, the more you will handle it, and the more you will be able to control it on the court.
Using these tips will have you energized when playing basketball. It’s great learning new things and watching how they can work for you. Keep these tips in mind to show others what you know. Basketball is a very popular sport, for fans and players alike.
