When playing basketball, the goal is to get better and better. That being said, wouldn’t you like to learn a few tips and tricks to help you out? Keep reading so that you can find out some great information so that you can take those other players to school, so to speak.
If you play serious team basketball, jump rope for thirty minutes before practice sessions. You’ll get used to playing basketball already winded and tired. Doing this can make you very prepared to make shots in late game situations, as your conditioning is already a notch above anyone else just showing up to practice.
Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.
Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.
If the basketball game is quickly getting out of hand for your team, find a way to slow the pace down. Your opponent wants to keep the chaos for your team going as it’s causing you all to make mistakes. You need to do the opposite. The minute you have the ball, dribble up court slowly. Or take a time out if you’ve got one available.
Play full-court basketball whenever you can. If you love playing, then you probably know a half-dozen spots where you can play street ball or playground pick-up games. While these are good, they don’t give you the practice or experience of getting down the whole court. This matters in fast break situations, both offensive and defensive.
Vision is one of the most important aspects of basketball. Specifically your peripheral vision is an area that you need to work on improving. You will be able to read the defense, see open teammates and locate scoring opportunities if you can learn to use your peripheral vision during the game.
Patience can be a key component to getting the best shot. Taking a perimeter jump shot from near the three point line while early into the offense is probably not the best idea. Instead, get into your half court set and begin looking for the open shot. Look down low for an easy basket or outside for an open three point shot.
Box out every opportunity that you can. If you do not box out, you are going to find yourself sitting warmly on the bench after every break. When the rebound is there, take charge and get the coach’s attention with your awesome skill. Work this out in practice and apply it during the game.
Balance is an important aspect in basketball, especially when taking a shot. When shooting, make sure you are balanced both side to side and from front to back. Do not be leaning away from the shot or lunging forward. If you keep your balance on shots, you will make baskets more consistently.
A chest pass is one of the best ways to get the ball to your teammate. As long as no one from the other team is standing between you and your intended recipient, go for it. You can pass with a step for more power, or without a step to move the ball rapidly.
Incorporate lots of squats into your basketball training. Squats help to increase the natural elasticity of the legs and buttocks. When you need to propel yourself down the court, speed is imperative and demands strong legs. Squats will also do wonders for your jump shot and dunks. Bring weights into your squats and you will create a winning combination.
Learning to lose gracefully is part of the game. Nobody enjoys being with a player who responds in an ugly manner to not winning. That means no tantrums or outburst or blaming others for mistakes they made. Know that everyone tried their best and that each game you lose still teaches you something valuable.
When you are taking a free throw, be sure that your strong foot is out in front slightly. When your knees begin to straighten, let the ball go. Your heels should peel up off the floor as the ball leaves your hands. Use your stronger hand to follow through with the shot.
Know that basketball isn’t everything. You still may have school to deal with or the things that everyone has in life. It’s OK to have an “off” day where you don’t play the game that you thought you should have. Having the right attitude to everything and being able to manage it all makes you a better player.
Always try and out-run your opponent. Do this every chance you get. Do it on offense, do it on defense, and even do it when just exiting or entering the court. You will mentally wear them down over the game and they will stop putting in so much effort to keep up with you. This can give you opportunities on offense late in the game.
Now that you’ve read this article, you should now be excited about using the tips on the basketball court. Remember that you must practice what you read, so get motivated so you can become a better player. There is always room for improvement, and you’re about to step it up.
