A great thing about basketball is that the basics are easy to learn. It does not take long to come to grips with the basics. However, there is always more to learn if you want to be a better basketball player, and the following tips will help.
Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what stands between you and a basketball game. Offense is flashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.
Learn to crossover if you get the ball fairly often. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball from one hand to the other. The action must be done quickly if it is to be successful. When done properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.
You need to keep your balance when you shoot. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not appropriate for most people. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, you will make more consistent baskets over time.
Play games with yourself in and before it. While it’s a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. There is much that can accomplish playing alone. Work on free throws or your pivot moves. There are many things you can be done.
Speed is a key attribute in basketball. Try playing faster than your opponents for a better advantage. You will have to be steady as you play faster.Don’t play more quickly than your skills allow. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and lots of turnovers.
Always be sure of where your feet are and what they are doing.
Practice passing while looking in the direction of the pass. You are able to confuse your opponents with this way. If you can do this correctly, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It’s quite a powerful play when done properly.
Good footwork can really help you get those rebounds. The more quickly you get under the basket, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This will get you to secure the rebound without having to commit a foul.
Dribble hard if you don’t want to avoid the ball taken from you. If someone is guarding you closely, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.
Don’t allow your feet to cross and opposing players will be hard to get around you.
Changing up your pace can help you keep the offense guessing.When you are getting closer to the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will also straighten themselves. When they do this, try pushing forward hard and running right past them.
Then they should run to the point guard to trap him. Your forwards should then go cover the player on both sides. The point guard will then probably throw an easily steal.
To build up your skills with your weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. This also can significantly help you with your basketball game also.
You will have better ball control by bending your knees just a bit.
Practice dribbling while you switch your body from side to the other. This will happen during all different kinds of situations.You will have many opponents ready to swarm you. You will have to figure out how you can dribble straight. This will help you to extricate yourself from high-pressure situations.
The best way to become a game is building conversation with your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. Basketball is not a team sport.It is not all about one-on-one game.You have to help each other out. Communicate and you will have everyone on the same page in order to play better.
Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until the time you want to throw your opponent off guard. Changing your pace can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage.
Double dribbling is not a foul. This occurs if you resume dribbling seconds after you have stopped your original dribble. When you stop, the only two choices you have are to shoot or pass.
Your position both before and after a rebound can help determine whether or not you will keep the ball. Jump using both feet for increased power and balance and retrieve the ball with both hands. After grabbing a rebound, land with your feet wider than your shoulders for better balance and keep the ball close to your chest.
If you figure out which hand is non-dominant, force the use of that hand. If they’re usually strong with their right hand, step towards them with your left foot so they have to switch sides. Keep your center of gravity low in order to increase your chance to steal the ball.
Maybe you recently learned the rules of the game. Maybe you are a long-time player. Either way, this information improves your playing skills. When you head out to play the next time, follow the suggestions you’ve learned here.