Basketball is an incredibly popular sport. Millions of spectators watch championship games on TV and just as many root for their own smaller high school teams and leagues. Everyone wants to be part of a winning team so if you are a player, you want to give your fans something to really cheer about. So here are some tips to help you improve your game and to score some points for your team and for those who are there to cheer you on.
Practice dribbling the ball on a number of different surfaces. As you get used to how the ball reacts, you will be able to adjust your game accordingly. How you handle the ball can make or break the game. Turnovers lead to points that your team may not be able to recover from, so your skills in this area need to be solid.
When shooting a free throw, keep your knees slightly bent and relaxed for best results. This stance allows you to jump vertically without shifting from right to left; thus, helping you maintain an even, accurate shot. Release the ball at the top of your jump for added momentum to the shot.
Don't force your jumps in basketball. Try to jump as naturally as possible. When jumping and shooting, practice releasing the ball at the top of the jump. Your fingers should simply slide off of the ball and carry it to the basket. Make sure you do not release while going up or down in the jump. Only release at the top.
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.
As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.
When you have to shoot free throws in a basketball game, make sure that you clear your head before you shoot. Depending on your state of mind, free throw shots can either be your hardest or easiest shots. Try clearing your mind and concentrating on the shot. Many players find it useful to imagine the ball going into the hoop. These shots take skill and finesse so emotions like anger can negatively affect your focus and alertness.
Learn to control the ball when you need to change your pace suddenly. If your are able to plant your feet and then quickly dribble the ball while on the move, you gain a distinct advantage over your opponent. If your defenders think you are slowing down to make a shot, they will straighten up to try to block it.
To get a good workout at practice, dribble back and forth on the court. Start by running to the free throw line, then go back to the end of the court. Then dribble to the middle and then go back, then to the far free throw line and then go back again, and then the entire length of the court.
Always keep your eyes up when dribbling the basketball. You need to be looking for a lot of things when dribbling. First, you want to be able to see teammates open for a good pass. You also want to be looking for any weaknesses in the defense, especially in transition.
A bounce pass is a good option if you are being heavily defended by one opponent. A defender who does not see the bounce pass coming will be thrown off his game. Keep your bounce passes as simple as possible to avoid a turnover. This maneuver helps get the ball to a teammate who is in a better position to score.
When you are defending, keep your stance low. Doing so improves your reaction time with regards to your opponents' actions. You always want to have a strong defensive stance on the court. When you break your stance to block, return to proper form as quick as you can.
Balance is an important aspect in basketball, especially when taking a shot. When shooting, make sure you are balanced both side to side and from front to back. Do not be leaning away from the shot or lunging forward. If you keep your balance on shots, you will make baskets more consistently.
Aim your overhead pass to be caught at chin level or higher. An overhead pass gives you the ability to get the greatest length from your pass. It is a good option for a turnover breakaway. You can also use the overhead pass to get the ball to a player who has a strong inside position.
Never show mercy to an opponent. This doesn't mean physically beating them down or accidentally stepping on a floored opponent. What it does mean is that you will have games or periods where your team is clearly better than the opposition. Don't start slacking because of this. Compete against yourself and play your best always. You get better, and you always want to prevent being a victim of a miracle comeback.
Be flexible in your body movements. You've probably already noticed that when you try to guard someone who is in a stiff position and stays very still, that it is easier to guard them and take the ball. Those who are flexible and always moving around are much more difficult to catch.
As you well know, basketball not only involves the player but includes the fans and spectators as well. They are there to cheer you on and to support you. So all players want to be able to give their fans something to stand up and cheer about. Everyone loves to celebrate a winning team. So keep the above tips in mind when you are on the court and you can help give those fans a season they will remember forever.
Orignal From: A Basketball Guide For Players And Fans
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