Many people enjoy the fast-pace and excitement of basketball. However, if you want to thoroughly enjoy the game, you should know all you can. You can read the tips below to better your skills.
Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. If order for the maneuver to be a success, it has to be performed with speed. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.
Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.
Free throws are mental as well as physical. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.
Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.
Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”
Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.
To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.
You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.
As you can now see, basketball is wildly popular. You also know that it is vital to learn all you can about basketball in order to excel. Use the tips above to become the best basketball player you can be.