Basketball is very competitive, and it can also be a lot of fun. People of any age can enjoy it if they know how to play it correctly. If you've been wanting to get into basketball, then this is the place to start. Continue on for the tips you need to get started.
When you have the ball, make sure you change your direction frequently. The entire court is open to you, and it is important to take advantage of that fact. As you move to the right or the left, make sure you shift your weight accordingly to have the easiest experience moving with the ball.
You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You'll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.
Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Perimeter players don't need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.
Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn't anyone around to play with. That should not matter. You can still practice when playing alone. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.
Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important. Once you've reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Strong footwork is key.
If you want to improve your jump shot, try shooting free throws blindfolded or with your eyes closed. Your free throw percentage ought to be pretty good before you try this. However, once it is, you can use this technique to really get down a fluid and instinctive shooting motion with your arms and body. Just make sure to do this alone in a gym, as to not errantly hurt anyone or break a window.
Always know where the other players are, both on your team and the opposition. You need to know who is close enough to steal the ball from you, who you can pass to and who might be able to rebound if you miss. Staying on top of the game means knowing the lay of the land.
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 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.
Be careful about trying to block shots. In most organized leagues, blocking the shot on the way down or when in the imaginary cylinder above the net results in a goaltending call. This just gives the opponent the attempted points, whether they would have made the shot or not anyway.
When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. 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."
Knowing how to handle the basketball is an important step in becoming a good player. Work hard to perfect your dribble with your weaker hand. The ability to dribble the ball well with both hands will keep opponents guessing. When you are able to take off dribbling to the right or the left, opponents will have a hard time predicting where you will go.
Remember that being good at basketball starts with being athletic. That means working on all of your skills, not just those which involve a ball. Run to build stamina and your cardiovascular health, and lift weights to build your strength. The harder you work on your overall condition, the better you will play.
Patience can be a key component to getting the best shot. Taking a perimeter jump shot from near the three point line while early into the offense is probably not the best idea. Instead, get into your half court set and begin looking for the open shot. Look down low for an easy basket or outside for an open three point shot.
Have you ever ran out of gas on the court? No matter if you play for a team or as a hobby with friends, you want to be able to last. It takes more than just playing the game during practice to help build your stamina. Taking up some long-distance running and practicing different sprint drills can help.
To warm up your hands for a game, hold the ball ahead of your chest then slap it hard as you pass it from one hand to the other. This helps you to truly get a feel for the ball while the blood begins to flow through your hands, getting them ready to play.
Now you can see why in the beginning of the article it talked about how anyone can play basketball if they know what goes into it. You now are able to get yourself out there to give it a try. Keep these things in mind and get yourself a basketball and you're set!
Orignal From: Basketball Information You Ought To Know About
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