Of all the different sports commonly played today, basketball has to be one of the most entertaining and exciting. Millions of people love basketball. If you have ever watched the stars on TV and wished you can compete, then this article is for you. The following contains some professional advice from professional players who were once rookies like yourself.
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 shooting a free throw, keep your knees slightly bent and relaxed for best results. This stance allows you to jump vertically without shifting from right to left; thus, helping you maintain an even, accurate shot. Release the ball at the top of your jump for added momentum to the shot.
Always remember that to be a great basketball player, you’ve got to be a great athlete first. Put as much time into conditioning your body and increasing your endurance as you do shooting and passing. This will improve your play under even the most excruciating circumstances, making you an invaluable team member.
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.
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.
To become a better ball handler, there are two key things you should focus on. Staying low while you dribble will make it harder for opponents to guard you and to steal the ball. Changing speeds is also important. By changing speeds while you move you’ll become more unpredictable to your opponent.
To get a jump shot off without having it blocked, release it at your nose or even higher. If your release point is at your chest or even your chin, it is much easier for even a shorter defender to block it. A higher release point means that your shot is more likely to go over that defender.
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.
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.
When you’re playing basketball, make sure that you dribble with your head up. If you feel that you have to look down every time you dribble, then you need more practice. Try to practice dribbling all over the place when you can without looking to get better at it. Watching good point guards can help since they always look forward and around when they dribble.
Passing the ball is a necessary part of basketball. You should practice a variety of passing options and work to determine which pass is best for each situation. Try to make the simplest pass possible to ensure a successful transfer of the ball to a teammate. Pass the ball when your teammate is in a better position on the court or when you are being closely defended.
To make your weaker hand stronger, play non-competitive basketball games with only your weak hand. The more you practice with it, especially in a real game, the better your skills will become. This is a great way to become more ambidextrous than you are without risking a loss in a competitive game.
To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. School and the international standard lines are nearer than that. If you make your shots from where the NBA players shoot, you will improve your skills and increase your range.
To make great free throws, you need to arc the ball about four feet above the net. If you don’t put an arc into your shot, you are unlikely to get the ball into the net. Practice creating an arc with your shots so you can master free throws when you face them.
If basketball is something you wish to pursue seriously, your diet should reflect that. You need to eat carbs, fats and protein on game days. You should try to include more wheat bread, chicken, nuts and peanut butter into your diet. Stay away from salt and sugar as much as possible.
You can now easily ascend from rookie to professional by following the tips above. Each idea is proven to improve your skills on the field. There is nothing holding you back from getting on the court and taking the game into your own hands. Get control of the ball and get control of the game.
