If you have ever wanted to be a star basketball player, then you know that it takes dedication and much practice. This is true even if you only want to play for fun. These tips will help you become a much better basketball player.
You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. They are merely making up the play on the spot. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.
Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.
If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.
Build hand signals so passes are more successful. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.
Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.
During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.
Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. Fast play is a result of heavy drilling. Don’t try playing fast until you can. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.
Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”
If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.
Upset and disrupt your opponent’s play. All successful basketball players do this. Force them away from their comfort zone. Execute your moves with aggression. Do not allow them to choose the plays that they make. This will give your opponent the chance to run over you. You should make the initial move and throw them off.
Now that you are done reading this article, it’s time to put these tips into practice. You will begin to see a little improvement at a time. That three step plan will see you to success.
