Millions of folks love basketball. If you want to step up your game or get more out of your game-watching experience, consider taking the time to learn more about the sport. Read this article to gain the knowledge that will make watching or playing the game more fun.
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.
When dribbling, try to keep the ball low to the ground. This makes it more difficult for opponents to steal the ball away from you while dribbling. Keep the ball low and pass it from hand to hand while weaving in and out through your opponents. This will help you maintain control of the ball.
When you dribble, make sure that you use fingertips instead of palms. This gives you much more control over the ball. Using your palms can cause the ball to go all over the place on the court, whereas using your fingertips keeps it under your control when you have to run.
Work on becoming a more clever basketball player, rather than trying to master a few clever plays. Your opponents will eventually figure out your plays, but will have difficulty if they cannot anticipate your overall playing ability. Learn to be surprising, quick thinking and more agile in your ability to get the ball and work the court.
Never leave the practice court without taking some practice shots. Do some free throws, lay-ups and 3-point throws every practice before you leave. Of course you are doing some shooting during practice, but this additional practice will help you in the long run. Keep practicing your shooting on a daily basis.
If the basketball game is quickly getting out of hand for your team, find a way to slow the pace down. Your opponent wants to keep the chaos for your team going as it’s causing you all to make mistakes. You need to do the opposite. The minute you have the ball, dribble up court slowly. Or take a time out if you’ve got one available.
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 make sure that you protect your ankles while you play basketball, wear shoes that are a little bit higher around them and lace them up. If you play in lower shoes, it is very easy to turn your ankle. Higher shoes keep you out on the court playing longer.
You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours. Stay aggressive. Do not allow them to choose the plays that they make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.
It’s not easy to match the thrills that basketball supplies for many of its fans. But, without sufficient understanding of the intricacies of the game, newcomers may feel somewhat lost. This article should provide a guide for you to use in improving your game.