When people think of the most popular sports around, basketball usually tops the list. After all, who doesn’t like all the action a game of basketball provides? But, to really succeed at playing basketball, you need to do your research. The tips in the following article are sure to be of help.
When you dribble a basketball, you are supposed to use your fingertips. Many people think you are supposed to use your palm, but this is incorrect. Using the tips of your fingers when you are dribbling the ball will result in you being able to dribble more in a shorter amount of time.
When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.
Every shot should have an arc. The ball should arc at the highest point, then began descending toward the goal. This arc helps keep the ball on course. Learn how to consistently shoot using the same arc for best results. As you practice, you will learn what works best for you.
Perfect your layup technique. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.
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.
Don’t just practice offense. Unlike some other sports, basketball players need to play both offense and defense constantly. There are no breaks in the game, and a great shooter can negate his or her benefit to the team by being a very poor defender. You need to become good on both ends of the court.
Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.
You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. When you know some of the other player’s moves, you’ll have a leg up during a game as you’ll be able to predict what he is going to do. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.
Take your ball with you wherever you go and dribble as often as possible. This allows you to practice handling the ball on all sorts of surfaces. For example, it will react differently on grass than it will on a wooden court. If you can master moving the ball on any surface, you will become a better ball handler.
When shooting free throws in basketball, make sure you properly line up with the basket. Your lead foot needs to be lined up with the rim’s center. If you’re right-handed, your lead foot will be the right foot. If your court has a hardwood floor, check it for a dot. If it has one, put your toe on it for a straighter shot.
Three pointers are a very attractive part of a basketball game. One way to achieve making more three-pointers is by using a drill where you start five feet away from the goal. Once you hit a net shot from there, move back a few feet until you hit another net shot. You keep moving back until you’re on the three point line, and of course you should be jogging for conditioning purposes as well.
A good rebound player can be a huge advantage for his team. Rebounding is about attitude more that skill. Think of every shot as a potential miss and be ready to position yourself to get the ball. Be alert for team members who are in a good position to make the shot.
Hold the basketball during TV time at home. Any contact you have with the ball will only improve your skills. You are essentially teaching your hands how to work with the ball. How to hold it, move with it, and even toss it. The more time you get with the basketball, the more comfortable you will be.
Communicating with your teammates is a vital part of being a good basketball player. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed. Offense and defense aren’t 1 on 1. You have to help each other. When everyone works together, you can play better as a team.
When playing defense, keep your eye on the shot ball. Once the ball leaves someones hands, you need to box out your opponent and then gauge where you think that ball is bouncing to when it hits the rim. That’s the key to being an excellent rebounder. When you see enough basketball shots, you’ll have a very good idea of how the ball bounces. But you need to keep your eyes on it to know!
Now you know what it takes to play the game of basketball like a pro. But, it is up to you to put these tips to good use and improve your skills on the court. Use this advice, and any other advice you may receive, to become the skilled player you have always wanted to be.
