Basketball is more than a game for gym class. It is possible to play this at home or in the park. If you are an aspiring basketball players, it would be a good idea to read this article to learn some new skills.
Correct dribbling is key. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.
When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Carry your basketball everywhere. Dribble as you walk to the market. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.
Work on pass catches. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.
Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.
Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.
Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. Whether you are passing or shooting the ball, your fingers are the only part of your hand that should be touching the ball.
Speed is everything in basketball. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. But do not try to play faster than you are able. If you play too quickly, you lose control over the ball and the match.
To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.
Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. The look will cause your guard to turn away. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.
Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.
If you wish to dribble the ball better, you have to start using your hand that’s considered the weak one. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!
No matter how intense the competition may be, you will enjoy basketball more when your skills improve. Now that you’ve read all the way through this article, put it to good use! Your playing style will improve with the more knowledge that you learn.
