Basketball begins as a new adventure for most. You were finding your way around shooting, dribbling and passing. Now you may feel that you know quite a bit about the game. The tips here are going to help you realize you can still learn.
It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.
Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. You should always look upwards instead of at the ground.
To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.
Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.
Do not practice solely against zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.
Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.
Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.
Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.
Free Throws
If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.
With all the advice you have now, there is no limit to where you can go. Set goals and practice, as much as you can, to get better. With these tips and lots of practice, soon enough you will see lots of improvements to your game.
Comments are closed.