How much do you know about basketball? Whether you’re just now getting into playing the game or you’re a seasoned veteran, you can always learn some new techniques. Maybe you’d like to learn fancy tricks, or perhaps you want to play better defense. This article is going to guide you with a few helpful tips during your quest.
When handling the ball, make sure you spread out your fingers. This makes it less likely that the ball will slip away from you. Also, keep your palm from making contact with the ball. Only your fingers should be involved in the process of getting the ball to where you want it to go.
Practice catching the basketball while you are moving and stopping cold for a shot. Basketball is a fast paced game, and the constant movement can throw your shot off during game time. This is especially true if you’ve practiced your shooting standing still. That is not as common in a game experience. Get the feel for moving, stopping, and shooting.
Never pass the ball and stand still. This is a mistake most often made by those new to the game of basketball. Once you’ve passed the ball, you need to work to get into the best position possible to be passed to again or to grab a rebound from a shot.
Every shot should have an arc. The ball should arc at the highest point, then began descending toward the goal. This arc helps keep the ball on course. Learn how to consistently shoot using the same arc for best results. As you practice, you will learn what works best for you.
Practice your free throws as often as you can. Free throws in basketball can turn the tide of a game. They are your opportunity to score points with clear views of the basket. You should aim to land at least 80% of the free throws you take. Great free throw shooters can top 90%.
If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.
Learn to pass more in basketball, even if it means giving up a good shot. Unless your team is down and must have the score, letting other players take a chance will improve the team as a whole. Taking all the shots that you can will cause other players and probably the coach to view you as selfish and not a true team player.
Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Don’t let your palms touch it. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.
So are you ready to get out there and show people what you’ve got? If this article has motivated you, just remember there is always plenty more to learn about basketball. It’s a widely-popular sport, and is so much fun. As you continue learning, you might find out that you enjoy it even more!
