The game of hoops was created by Dr. James Naismith (1891). It’s now a hugely popular sport. Basketball has made many celebrities out of its players, from Shaq, to Magic Johnson. Most of the world has heard of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. Continue reading to learn all the best tips about basketball.
Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Then throw the ball just as you had visualized.
Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.
Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.
Practice your pass catching often. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. When a game is underway, not every throw will be perfect. Learning how to catch these errant passes will put you at an advantage.
In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.
Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.
Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. To get an advantage over an opposing player, you must have the quickest reactions. Fast play is a result of heavy drilling. Although being fast is important, avoid playing faster than your capabilities. If you play too quickly, you lose control over the ball and the match.
Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.
A regulation basketball game consists of just ten players. A thorough understanding of the game is necessary if you are going to become a great player. What you learned here is just the beginning, and now you need to study more and practice well to hopefully one day become a great.
