Everyone loves basketball. It’s a simple enough game for someone of any age to pick up. You learn to play as a team, and you’ll have fun whether you win or not. If you would like to get educated on basketball then read on for great tips.
Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. This allows you to control the ball better. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. You should always look upwards instead of at the ground.
Practice makes perfect. This is especially true in basketball. Learning how to shoot a basket, how to dribble and how to pass a ball is important to playing good basketball. Spending as little as 30 minutes practicing a day can really help develop your game and make you a better player.
Practice lay ups over and over. The lay up is one of the most basic basketball shots out there. And you should never let this easy opportunity to score pass you by. While simple, it still takes practice in game-like scenarios to make sure you aren’t laying the ball up too hard or at a bad angle. Get the rhythm down and practice it repeatedly.
It is important to stay focused during the game. If you miss a shot, brush it off and continue with the game. Although you may feel bad about missing a shot, it is important to regain your focus quickly and continue on. Remember that even the professionals miss shots.
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.
Make it your goal to dribble well with both of your hands. You’ll obviously start with your strongest hand when learning, but if you want to play basketball well, you’ll need to learn how to switch it up. This way you can keep your body between the ball and your opponent, no matter what the angle.
To play your best game of basketball, it is important to keep focused. Even when the action is not near your position, remain aware of the action and be ready to move fast. A positive attitude combined with being fully focused on what you are doing can give you the competitive advantage.
Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.
Learn to control the ball when you need to change your pace suddenly. If your are able to plant your feet and then quickly dribble the ball while on the move, you gain a distinct advantage over your opponent. If your defenders think you are slowing down to make a shot, they will straighten up to try to block it.
Become a great athlete. There are few great basketball players out there who aren’t also superb athletes in general. This is a very athletic sport, so prepare for it by playing all sorts of athletic games. This can be running, swimming, cycling, you name it. All of these sports will add to your abilities on the court.
To take care of your leather basketball, only use it in an indoor gym. If you take it outside, the cement and asphalt will tear up that leather. Instead, buy a rubber indoor/outdoor basketball to take to the cement court. They are cheaper and bounce just as well outside.
Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. You have to be ready to move fast and change directions on a dime.
Stick with full court basketball during practice. It might be fun to play some half court ball games, but you aren’t teaching your team how to deal with the full court. Plus, the rules of a half court game may be quite different than a full court game. It’s best to practice what you’ll be doing during game time.
Why is basketball such a popular sport? For simple reasons like it is a lot of fun, and very easy to learn. If you’re a basketball fan, the above tips cannot be given a price tag. Follow this advice to enhance your skills and your enjoyment of the game.
