Basketball is similar to many other areas of life. For instance, would you try fixing a car’s engine if you didn’t know how to do it? The same goes for working on your basketball skills. The tips within this article are what makes pros as good as they are.
To better your basketball rebound when on the dribble drive, try running to the front of the rim. When you’re in dribble drive penetration, try following your teammate to the rim. You can retrieve the ball if they miss. It’s a great time for rebounding since the defense tends to collapse on the drive, which they can forget to block out. It also lets you get more offensive rebounds and points.
Really practice the types of shots that you’d get in a typical game experience. Yes, it’s fun to play HORSE and try crazy shots, but that’s not prepping you for actual game play. You want to get the types of shots you usually see down cold. Practice them over and over.
If you feel you’ve been spending too much time on the the bench, ask your basketball coach what you can do to help the team the next time you are in practice. Hang on every word he or she says. This will demonstrate your intense interest in helping the team win by improving your own play and should get you more game time!
Practice layups often. This is the most popular shot in basketball. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.
As you develop your ability to shoot a basketball, try practicing on one foot only. This will improve many areas of your play, including accuracy when shooting. As you get better, move to practicing your shot from greater distances. Only after you master the basic techniques will you truly get better at long distance shots.
The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This gives you better control of the ball. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.
Beware of picking up bad habits from street basketball games. Street games are often rougher and flashier than team basketball. It’s a game to impress through individual showmanship, not from your work as part of a bigger group. Therefore, you can bring the wrong skills to the table if you base your team play on what you’ve learned from street games. Remember, you are part of something bigger than just you.
Learn how to use your hips, eyes, shoulders and entire body while dribbling. This can easily shake a defender off of you while dribbling if you look one way and move another. They are watching your body for clues to where you are going next. Use this to your advantage and throw them incorrect clues to get around them.
There are many things that can make you feel great. Researching ways to bolster your basketball skills can do this as well. You will soon be winning every game and surprising those around you.