Whether you have been watching and playing basketball for years or you have just started getting into, you already know how fun the game is. However, do you feel like you know everything there is to know about basketball? If you think you could benefit from learning more, read on.
When handling the ball, make sure you spread out your fingers. This makes it less likely that the ball will slip away from you. Also, keep your palm from making contact with the ball. Only your fingers should be involved in the process of getting the ball to where you want it to go.
If you are trying to figure out how to improve your ability to pass in basketball, think visualization. Visualizing where the player you’re going to pass to is going and will be by the time the ball reaches him is crucial. Being able to predict the exact spot will result in amazing passes!
Footwork is an important skill to practice daily if you want to improve your basketball game. Players with exceptional foot work can move around their opponents at will. It is essential to include both slow paced running and fast sprints in your practice sessions. You can practice first without a ball and then add dribbling to your footwork sessions.
Practice passing drills as a team. Basketball is a team sport first and foremost. You’ve got five people on the court with the same common goal. Teams that are great at passing can really break up a defense making it much easier to get into good scoring positions. You’ll definitely win much more than you lose when you work as a team.
When you rebound in basketball, make sure you make contact before your opponent.
You’ll be in control of what occurs if you are the first to make contact when boxing out. Hit them first before they get a chance to make contact with you so that you can get leverage. Be sure to anticipate and be sure you’re always first. This will provide you with an edge.
When you are dribbling the ball, be sure that you are doing so with your head up. If you have your eyes on the ball instead while you are dribbling it, you cannot keep an eye on those defending you. This could lead to them stealing the ball away from you.
Practice as many different shots as you can. You never know when you will need one during a game. If you only practice bank shots, then you will feel less comfortable making a 3-point shot or a lay-up. Practice them all and you will see improvements in all of your shots.
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.
In order to shoot the basketball properly, you need to have good balance. For starters, to have a good base, you need to keep your feet roughly one shoulder length apart. Next, have your stronger foot half a step in front of the other foot. Finally, make sure your head is centered.
Proper aim is crucial when trying to make baskets. Ideally, you should aim for the small square found on the backboard. Doing this increases your chances of the ball actually going down the basket. Avoid trying to aim for the next; you are less likely to be successful when doing so.
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.
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.
When you have to shoot free throws in a basketball game, make sure that you clear your head before you shoot. Depending on your state of mind, free throw shots can either be your hardest or easiest shots. Try clearing your mind and concentrating on the shot. Many players find it useful to imagine the ball going into the hoop. These shots take skill and finesse so emotions like anger can negatively affect your focus and alertness.
To shoot a basketball outdoors, you have to be ready for the conditions. On the blacktop, the wind can send your shot off, so as you start shooting around beforehand, get used to factoring that wind in by aiming to one side or the other. This will boost your accuracy.
As the start of this article mentioned, you’re probably aware of how exciting basketball is, no matter how long you have had an interest in it. But, the key to succeeding with this sport is doing your homework on it. The tips above are a great start for your goal of becoming a basketball expert.
