If you arrived here looking for great tips on how to play better basketball, then you’re in the right place. It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to the game or experienced, anyone can benefit with knowing some simple tips. Read on and learn, you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
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.
One of the hardest skills to learn in basketball is how to relax while shooting. Concentrating on the back of the rim or where you want the ball to hit on the backboard are great ways to practice this. It might seem strange learning how to relax, but the more you do it, the better prepared you will be come game time.
If you are trying to create a charging foul against the other team, make sure you plant your feet to the ground. Don’t shuffle them or lean into the dribbler coming at you. If you do either of these things, you’ll actually be called for a blocking foul instead of getting a charge.
Practice your passes and catches frequently. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.
Watch professional basketball players on television. When learning basketball, it’s essential to see what the best out there do. Listen to what the announcers are saying, too. Quite often, they’ll point out smart plays and unique moves that were exceptionally done. These call-outs will help you improve your skills just by watching.
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.
In order to steal a ball from a dribbler without fouling him, start with your hands low and bring them up toward the ball. This way you hit the ball first with your hand and knock it away. If you start with your hands high and swipe downward, you are going to hit his arm and get called for a foul.
To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Whatever you do before each shot, from dribbles to body motions, should be the same each time. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”
Now that you read the above article, nothing should hold you back from becoming a better basketball player. All it takes is knowledge and practice your skills. If you practice what you just learned today, there is no reason why you cannot better your skills to help you succeed at basketball.