How can I become a better basketball player? Of course, the first answer is that you need to start practicing every single day. Work on your rebounds, passing, three pointers and slam dunks. The next task is to learn from the experts by reading the article, full of great advice, found below.
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!
If you feel you’ve been spending too much time on the the bench, ask your basketball coach what you can do to help the team the next time you are in practice. Hang on every word he or she says. This will demonstrate your intense interest in helping the team win by improving your own play and should get you more game time!
Constantly practice layups. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.
When throwing an overhead pass, it is best to keep the ball from actually going behind your head. If you do, the ball is easier to steal. In addition, it takes longer to throw the overhead pass if you bring it behind your head. Throw it from over your forehead.
To become a good rebounder, learn how to box out your opponent properly. The idea is that when a shot is taken, you turn towards the basket and block your opponent from getting a good position to rebound. The best rebounders have mastered this skill and own the space right near the basket.
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.
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.
Keep in mind that basketball shoes don’t last forever. Ask questions at the store or do research to find out just how many games or months a good pair should last before needing replacement. You need to feel safe in the quality of your footwear when moving on the court.
Don’t prepare more for a game than you do for a practice. If you don’t tape up for practice, don’t do it for games. You will naturally take games more seriously than practice. However, you don’t need to start panicking over a game by overpreparing. Have a consistent and calm routine.
Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Learn to play to your strengths and practice to improve your weak points. Not everyone on the team can be the guy who scores every point. Your position may be better suited on the defensive end. You can only learn these things through practice and play.
Where loose fitting shorts and a sports shirt that lets you move. Basketball is a very physical sport. There’s a lot of running, a lot of physical contact, and a ton of jumping. You want to wear clothes that let you move as well as possible. If you don’t, you’ll find your time on the court to be pretty miserable.
Learn how to use your hips, eyes, shoulders and entire body while dribbling. This can easily shake a defender off of you while dribbling if you look one way and move another. They are watching your body for clues to where you are going next. Use this to your advantage and throw them incorrect clues to get around them.
A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Don’t try playing fast until you can. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.
Good rebounding is a key aspect of a success basketball player, so practice rebounds and jumping. Many easy baskets come from the second, third or even fourth shot taken. Practice getting your own rebounds. It is very common for a ball to hit off the rim and head right back towards you.
Make sure that you can see clearly. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders. Your peripheral vision needs to be as strong as possible. It allows you to view the game as a whole rather than simply watching the ball. In this way, you can be aware of the players around you.
Always try and play against players that are better than you. That’s how you improve your game the fastest. Not only do you see and learn what they do, but you just get better yourself from playing against them. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t work pretty quickly.
To win the game you need to take good shots. Good shots are when you have an open arc to the goal with a high-percentage of scoring. No other players on your team should have a better shot than the one you are taking. Otherwise, it’s not a good shot.
With this advice, you can’t go wrong! No matter what skill level you have at the moment, you are only bound for improvement if you make use of these tips. It doesn’t matter whether you play for fun or competitively, learning all you can will turn you into a better player.
