What basketball information should I know? What do you need to get down to be the best player that you can be? This article provides you with a great base of knowledge about playing basketball, so reading it should bring you amazing benefits when you next hit the court.
Be sure to dribble correctly every time. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. You’ll have a lot more control over the ball this way. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Don’t look down, always look up.
Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Frustration can be an issue at first, but passing will improve as time goes by.
Solo Games
Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. Don’t fret! In solo games, you can accomplish quite a bit. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. You can always find things to work on.
Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.
Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.
When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.
Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. Practice and repetition are the only way to become a consistent free thrower. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.
A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. Your defensive moves must be aggressive and executed properly. Do not let them choose the plays to make. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. The ball should always be in control and moving.
Use the hand you’re not dribbling with to create a barrier between the ball and the opponent. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it. Just keep it up slightly while dribbling with the other hand.
Court Exercise
Make sure your off-court exercise is appropriate to help your on-court game. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina. Lifting weights can help you get more muscle. If you can develop your confidence through off-court exercise, this can even help your shooting.
Are you now ready with answers to your biggest basketball questions? Can you take the whole court by storm? Has this article given you the feeling that you’re able to become a better player? Get out there and begin practicing while putting these tips into practice so you can reap the rewards.