Basketball is loved by millions of people across the globe. It may not have the exposure that other sports like soccer have achieved, but it still a fan favorite in many households. If you have ever watched a basketball game with the family and wished that you were able to play as well as the pros, you should continue reading.
Practice lay ups over and over. The lay up is one of the most basic basketball shots out there. And you should never let this easy opportunity to score pass you by. While simple, it still takes practice in game-like scenarios to make sure you aren’t laying the ball up too hard or at a bad angle. Get the rhythm down and practice it repeatedly.
Pay attention to what you are good at. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.
Shoot at least a hundred free throws every day. Not only does this make you a better free throw shooter, but it helps all your shooting. You can step on a court any day of the week familiar with the sight and sound of you putting the ball in the goal. This gives you serious mental confidence, regardless of how or where you actually shoot.
As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jump rope like the boxers do to increase your footwork speed.
If you are going to get rebounds in basketball, it is important to get between the person you are guarding and the basket. Then back up against that person and start moving him away from the basket. This way, if he tries to go through you or over you to get the rebound, he has to foul you.
When dribbling, try to make your moves below your knee joints. This will mean you have to bend over to dribble the ball and move, but there are advantages. It creates a little more personal space, making the ball harder for an opponent to steal. It also makes it far easier to shake off an opponent for a drive, a shot or a pass.
To shoot a basketball outdoors, you have to be ready for the conditions. On the blacktop, the wind can send your shot off, so as you start shooting around beforehand, get used to factoring that wind in by aiming to one side or the other. This will boost your accuracy.
Listen to your coach. Even if you don’t agree with him or her, your coach is the one with the plan. Remember, you’ve got four other people on the court with you, so a team plan of action is vital to your success. If just one person goes a different direction, then you’ll fail.
A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Don’t just think you can place yourself in one spot, wait for the ball then hoist up a shot. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.
Move without the basketball. Running the baseline has advantages. You can possibly lose your defender in the paint for a second and become open. At the very least you might distract the ball defender’s attention for just a second. Even if you can’t get open, set a screen for who has the ball.
If you’re playing the guard position, having good court vision is an absolute key to success. You should always keep your eyes moving and focus on what’s happening around you. Learn how to dribble the ball with your head up. Looking down while dribbling will mean you can’t see what’s happening on the court.
If you can dribble with both hands, you will truly be a threat to the opposing team. You can go left or right around a guard without worrying about losing the ball. Practice dribbling with both hands at the same time to build your skill without staring at the ball.
To make your weaker hand stronger, play non-competitive basketball games with only your weak hand. The more you practice with it, especially in a real game, the better your skills will become. This is a great way to become more ambidextrous than you are without risking a loss in a competitive game.
Hit the gym and do arm curls during your workout. Weighted arm curls will help build the strength and elasticity of the biceps and triceps. This helps to improve passing distance, as well as shooting distance. The forearms also benefit from curls by allowing you to better control and manipulate the ball.
Getting rebounds help your team get or keep control of the ball. Predict where the basketball may go and keep moving. Where the ball ends up depends on where the original shot was made, the force of the shot and where the ball hits the basket or backboard. It is more difficult to predict the position of the ball for longer shots.
If you are like most basketball players, you want as much playing time as possible. One way to pretty much guarantee an increase in playing time is to always work hard and hustle during both practice and in a game. Don’t be hesitant about diving after a loose ball. Your butt may often be on the ground, but a coach will notice your intense efforts and will choose you over a player who doesn’t have your drive and work ethics.
Now is the time to get the ball and hit the courts. Remember the ideas that you have read here and apply them during the game. Impress your friends and take the lead with each play that you make. You no longer have to be the last guy picked for the teams.