Dribbling Isn't Enough - Great Tips To Improve Basketball Skills

Whether you want to shoot hoops like a pro or cheer from the bleachers, you need basketball information in order to enjoy the game. Are you lost? Don't get upset. Basketball is a fun game that is simple to learn. Read on and gather up some fun tips to help you better your skills and make the game more fun to watch.


Basketball Training.  You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand's palm. This provides you with much more ball control. Always dribble to your side, not your front. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.

Perfect your free throw. That's a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Maintain focus on the basket and try to visualize your basketball falling through the hoop. Shoot the basketball exactly as you saw in your mind.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven't practiced enough. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.
Shooting has much to do with proper balance. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. They're just improvising at this point. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. There are many factors which come into play, though.

Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn't anyone around to play with. That should not matter. You can still practice when playing alone. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You can always find things to work on.

Never play through an injury when playing basketball. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. Visit a doctor if you think it's serious.

Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Know which team members are right handed and which ones are left handed. If you know their game, you can defend against it. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. So, if you shoot using your left hand, launch with your right foot. Also, this will improve your balance as you approach the basket.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. Be aggressive as you execute your moves. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. Otherwise, the opponents will win all the shots and dominate you. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.

Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. Don't believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.Basketball Training Aids

If you want to stay in a good defensive position, simply avoid breaking out of your defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Don't let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.
Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body. The guard will think you are slowing down and will also straighten themselves. Once they slow their momentum, you can shoot past them with a burst of speed.

You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. Don't push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you may use your free arm to create a barrier that keeps your opponent away from the ball. Just keep it up slightly while dribbling with the other hand.

It is important to eat well if you want to be in tip-top basketball shape. In order to be skilled at basketball you need to load up on carbs to give yourself plenty of energy. You want to make sure that your body has enough energy to keep going; think about eating chicken, nuts and whole grain bread. Stay away from salt and sugar.

If a shooter is located at a corner, their missed attempt is likely to waft to the opposite side. If this is the case, you need to guess where it will end up and catch the rebound as a result.
Now, that wasn't so hard, was it? Since you have now expanded your basketball knowledge, you will be well aware of the joy that can be gained from the game. Keep this information in mind to become a great basketball player. Basketball Fundamentals