One round, orange ball. One tall net with a backboard. Ten players per team. A passion for the game of basketball. This is what you need to play, but you also need a great knowledge to play well. Continue reading to find out all you can about the ins and outs of basketball.
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.
One of the first things you need to learn when it comes to basketball is how to guard the ball. To help develop the skills needed for this, ask your friends for a friendly game of basketball. Invite some players who are skilled to teach you how to guard the ball.
To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. 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.
You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.
As you develop your ability to shoot a basketball, try practicing on one foot only. This will improve many areas of your play, including accuracy when shooting. As you get better, move to practicing your shot from greater distances. Only after you master the basic techniques will you truly get better at long distance shots.
When you play basketball, be sure that you remain properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing. Becoming dehydrated can negatively affect your game and your health. It is possible to lose up to 2% of your body weight through dehydration. That can also cause between a 10% and 20% decrease in your athletic performance.
When a teammate passes you the ball, make the most out of it. If you have an open shot, go ahead and shoot. If you do not have an open shot or think that you can get open, do the right thing and pass it along to another teammate. They may have the shot that you don’t.
Should you receive an injury during the course of the game, never try to continue playing despite the pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. Serious injuries may require medical attention.
Learn how to use your hips, eyes, shoulders and entire body while dribbling. This can easily shake a defender off of you while dribbling if you look one way and move another. They are watching your body for clues to where you are going next. Use this to your advantage and throw them incorrect clues to get around them.
When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. Try to line your dominant shoulder up with the rim.
Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. But do not try to play faster than you are able. Playing beyond your speed cause the game to get out of control with various turnovers and errant passes.
To get a jump shot off without having it blocked, release it at your nose or even higher. If your release point is at your chest or even your chin, it is much easier for even a shorter defender to block it. A higher release point means that your shot is more likely to go over that defender.
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.
While you likely already have the passion, and the ball, you also need the knowledge to be a successful basketball player. With this article already under your belt, you are ready to start using its tips. Continue checking out other expert articles to learn more so you can better your game.
