It doesn’t matter if you plan to play basketball or just watch a game, you should have a basic understanding of how the game is played. Are you unaware of the score? Do not waste time in despair. Basketball is a very simple game that is very enjoyable. Consider the following great tips to use for playing basketball.
Make sure that you practice teamwork when you are on the court, or people may have a hard time dealing with you. You may want to impress others on the court, and this may give you the idea that you should shoot the ball yourself, but it would be best to pass the ball to someone who is open.
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.
You have to know how to bounce pass properly. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. There are other things to keep in mind, though.
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.
Work on flexibility. Flexibility is very important during basketball. This is because you may have to stretch to grab a ball that is in the air. Additionally, increased flexibility helps protect your tendons and joints from the damage caused during this fast playing sport. Do flexibility exercises often and always stretch before beginning any game.
Picking the right basketball shoe can be very important to your game. If you need support for your ankles, choose a high top sneaker. Make sure that the sole of the shoe has enough traction to prevent slipping. Always buy a shoe that is the correct size by having your feet measured at a sporting goods store.
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.
Beware of picking up bad habits from street basketball games. Street games are often rougher and flashier than team basketball. It’s a game to impress through individual showmanship, not from your work as part of a bigger group. Therefore, you can bring the wrong skills to the table if you base your team play on what you’ve learned from street games. Remember, you are part of something bigger than just you.
Never throw the basketball at another player. Even if you are angry or aggravated, it’s never smart to take your anger out with the ball. Not only will you draw a foul, you can also do some serious damage to the person you are throwing at. Take a breathe before you do anything stupid.
Ball control is an essential skill for good basketball playing. One simple drill to improve your control is to use a ball in each hand for dribbling practice. Bounce one ball first and then just a second after, bounce the other. Alternate the bounce as you move down the court. As you gain more control, pick up the pace.
Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. It can be quite powerful.
Practice the three key things around the basket: dribbling, shooting, and rebounding. Everyone loves to shoot the basketball, but it’s only one part of a basketball game. You need to master all three of the things here to be a great player. If you only know how to shoot, you won’t last long on the court for a real game.
Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.
If you’re playing the guard position, having good court vision is an absolute key to success. You should always keep your eyes moving and focus on what’s happening around you. Learn how to dribble the ball with your head up. Looking down while dribbling will mean you can’t see what’s happening on the court.
Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. Letting the other guy run into you stops the game without having to use a time out, and adds another four to the opponent’s total. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.
Wasn’t that easy? Your fun level will only increase since you know more information about the sport of basketball. Take the things you’ve just learned here so you can get better at basketball, or just figure out how to adjust your TV to watch the pros go at it!
