When people think of the most popular sports around, basketball usually tops the list. After all, who doesn’t like all the action a game of basketball provides? But, to really succeed at playing basketball, you need to do your research. The tips in the following article are sure to be of help.
Always protect the ball when you are in possession of it. Keep your dribble off to the side of your body to make it more difficult for another player to steal the ball. While you generally want to avoid dribbling in front of you, you can do so if there are no other players in your immediate vicinity.
Every shot should have an arc. The ball should arc at the highest point, then began descending toward the goal. This arc helps keep the ball on course. Learn how to consistently shoot using the same arc for best results. As you practice, you will learn what works best for you.
Practice as many different shots as you can. You never know when you will need one during a game. If you only practice bank shots, then you will feel less comfortable making a 3-point shot or a lay-up. Practice them all and you will see improvements in all of your shots.
A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.
You can build your speed by learning the following technique. Begin your speed training by walking at a moderate speed for five minutes. Then, run as fast as you can for one minute. Follow this with a jog for five minutes. Then sprint again for one minute. Cool down by walking for five minutes.
If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.
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.
Stick with the same routine every time that you do free throws. You have 10 seconds to shoot, so you can use that short period of time as you like. You can bounce the ball a couple times, spin it within your hands, talk to yourself, etc. Try to be creative and find a routine that works best for you. You will eventually get more comfortable with this shot by doing the same routine over and over.
To be a great basketball player, you have to make the ball part of your body. It may seem silly but roll it in your hands, dribble in the driveway, go for walks with it and take it with you wherever you go. The more time that ball spends attached to your body, the harder it will be for defenders to take it from you on the court.
To help your muscles get used to the change of pace in dribbling during a regular game, do 10-5 drills. Soft dribble for 5 seconds, then power dribble for 10. Do it these drills a number of times on each hand. That way, the muscles in your arms will be prepared to change pace as quickly as you need to.
To get an amazing arm workout, dribble the ball on a patch of dirt. This will take a lot of power as the dirt absorbs most of the energy you put into the ball when it hits. Do this for a few minutes, but don’t over exert yourself or you could hurt your arm.
Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent. You can actually force yourself to utilize your weak hand by tying your other hand behind you. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!
Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Force them out of their comfort zone. Be aggressive as you execute your moves. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. If you do so, then your rivals have the control. You make the moves, which helps shift the momentum.
A chest pass is the most effective method of getting the ball from one player to another. This type of pass gives you plenty of strength and allows you to fully control where the ball goes. Using a chest pass is also the quickest way to pass the ball but only use it when there is no defender between you and your teammate.
To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This will get you a rebound without having to commit a foul.
Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. School and the international standard lines are nearer than that. If you are able to make NBA-range three-point-shots, you will be able to find more open looks during your own games.
Now you know what it takes to play the game of basketball like a pro. But, it is up to you to put these tips to good use and improve your skills on the court. Use this advice, and any other advice you may receive, to become the skilled player you have always wanted to be.