Basketball is a remarkable sport because it allows you to achieve great things with only a few simple skills. It does not take too long to come to grips with the basics. In saying that, however, it does not matter what level of skill you are playing at; there is always room for improvement.
You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. That action has to be done fast to be successful. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.
Practice your free throws as often as you can. Free throws in basketball can turn the tide of a game. They are your opportunity to score points with clear views of the basket. You should aim to land at least 80% of the free throws you take. Great free throw shooters can top 90%.
To be successful with free throws, you need to be sure you’re taking the best approach. When at the foul line, have your feet about a shoulder’s width apart. Now, use both hands to dribble the ball. Bend your knees and and picture the ball going into the basketball as you take your shot.
Improve your offensive game by mastering the shot fake. With this move, players think you are going to shoot the ball, so they will jump up. Don’t really shoot the ball yet; instead, use this opportunity to maneuver around them and take your shot. They will be caught off guard and won’t have a chance to defend you.
Do you want to fool the other team? Try the back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This should be helpful in tricking them team.
Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.
Even though you may miss ten times in a row, you will succeed eventually. Keep calm and focus on your form instead of letting your emotions get to you. This will help you develop good habits and grow as a player. Each shot you take is unique and has nothing to do with the previous ten shots you just missed.
Keep your hands active. Use a deflective hand high to block shots and intercept passes. Use a ball hand low to block low passes and try to poke the ball away from your opponent. Always swipe your hand up when playing the ball. Swiping down at the ball could result in a foul.
Three pointers are a very attractive part of a basketball game. One way to achieve making more three-pointers is by using a drill where you start five feet away from the goal. Once you hit a net shot from there, move back a few feet until you hit another net shot. You keep moving back until you’re on the three point line, and of course you should be jogging for conditioning purposes as well.
Never try to score the point at the expense of shutting other players out. You are part of a team which means everyone is valued. It means working together and sometimes playing a minor part in another player’s winning shot. Just remember that your team can’t win if you are the only one to make shots.
Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul. This may completely break the competition down.
When it comes to basketball, most players want to spend as much time on the court as possible. One thing that will increase your playing time is to ask your coach what you can do to help your team succeed. This shows the coach that you value the team’s success over your own personal success. When the season comes to an end, be sure to ask your coach which skills you should work on in the off-season to be a greater asset to the team.
If a defender is hot on your heels, a one handed pass is a must. If their hands are up high, fake a high throw and then bounce it under their arm. If their hands are instead low, fake a bounce pass and toss it over their arm to the recipient instead.
If you’re a perimeter player, making good shot choices requires you know where your feet are at all times. The worst shot in basketball is the 19 foot jumper. If you’re in that position with an open shot, simply take a step back one foot and go for the three.
After taking a shot, position yourself to get your own rebound. A lot of new players stop and stare at the ball they just shot. They miss a golden opportunity to get right back into the game mix for a solid rebound. Essentially, you are letting your opponent outnumber your team when you don’t get back into the mix.
You may have just learned how to play basketball right before you read the above information. Or, maybe you have been playing ball since you were little. Regardless of your personal circumstances, this article should help you up your game. Keep this advice in mind during the next match.
