If you would like to know more about basketball in general, then you are going to find out some helpful tips by reading this article. Perhaps you wish you could play more like the pros. Well, it takes having the right knowledge about the game and putting it to practice. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.
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.
One of the most important things to understand is when to make the shot. Taking a dangerous shot can result in the ball being overturned. If you do not feel comfortable making the shot, pass it to a teammate and either let them make the shot or get into a better position to make the shot.
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.
As the old saying goes, there is no “I” in team. So don’t focus exclusively on trying to be the one to make all the winning points. Make sure you are just as determined to help your team members score their winning points as well. Being a team player means the whole team working together, each playing their own part to win the game.
Learn how to do a crossover if you plan to be in possession of the ball a lot. Crossovers are when you move the ball from one hand to the other while dribbling. If done quickly, the opposition won’t be able to get the ball away from you as you can pass it to the side they are not on.
A great way to practice the fast break is to get the ball up the court in less than five dribbles. It may seem impossible, but the more you practice this rule, the easier it becomes. During game time you will notice yourself using this to your advantage during the fast break.
To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.
Passing the ball is a necessary part of basketball. You should practice a variety of passing options and work to determine which pass is best for each situation. Try to make the simplest pass possible to ensure a successful transfer of the ball to a teammate. Pass the ball when your teammate is in a better position on the court or when you are being closely defended.
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To play man-to-man defense, it is important to know where your man, the ball, and the basket all are. This keeps your man from sneaking behind you for a back-door pass, and it also allows you to steal over and help when the ball is across the court from your man.
To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer. If you get it from the NBA range, your open looks will have deeper range than defense will mind you until you begin hitting.
Many basketball players want to gain weight to play more physically. This is especially true for taller players who play near the basket. To gain weight, lift weights and eat a balanced diet, including a lot of fruits and vegetables. Of course you should know not to use steroids to gain muscle mass.
When playing defense, practice slapping the ball up instead of down. If you slap the dribble down, the offensive player will have a better chance of regaining control of the ball. If you slap up at the dribble instead, it is much harder for the player to regain control of the ball.
To be a great basketball player you must also be a great athlete. Basketball is a physical sport as well as demanding a great deal of endurance. Weight training can make your body tougher physically. Good conditioning is important as well, so warm up with about 15 minutes of running before doing drills.
The best way to become a better player is to talk to your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. Basketball is a sport played by a team. Playing with the same teammates often helps you understand what they are thinking. Be there for your teammates is important. Talk to your teammates when you need help, so that you’re all on the same page.
Learning to lose gracefully is part of the game. Nobody enjoys being with a player who responds in an ugly manner to not winning. That means no tantrums or outburst or blaming others for mistakes they made. Know that everyone tried their best and that each game you lose still teaches you something valuable.
Understand that your importance as a player does not mean that you are more important than any other member of the team. Even if you are the person who makes most of the goals, you would not have that chance without the support of your teammates and all of the other team supporters who make your team possible.
Hopefully, you are ready to use the information that has been described here. While you certainly do not become the best basketball player overnight, you definitely can start improving with what you’ve read. So, get your basketball attire on and head to the basketball court to see what you’ve got!
