Basketball is very competitive, and it can also be a lot of fun. People of any age can enjoy it if they know how to play it correctly. If you’ve been wanting to get into basketball, then this is the place to start. Continue on for the tips you need to get started.
Practice dribbling the ball on a number of different surfaces. As you get used to how the ball reacts, you will be able to adjust your game accordingly. How you handle the ball can make or break the game. Turnovers lead to points that your team may not be able to recover from, so your skills in this area need to be solid.
Practice your layups a lot. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.
Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.
Never adopt the attitude that the shoes make the player. The latest and supposedly greatest basketball shoes on the market are probably overrated and not truly tested. They also are likely made in the same factory as cheaper shoes that aren’t name brand. Just focus on a decent pair of shoes and the concentrate on your skills.
Remember that refs don’t see, catch or call everything. You’re going to get fouled sometimes and not hear the whistle. Just remember that works both ways. You will also get away with some fouls that aren’t called. Respect the refs, but remember that they don’t determine the winner and loser.
The best free throws come as a result of routine. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.
If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.
Want to try a drill which will really work you out? Try dribbling with two balls at once! This will help you learn to master dribbling with both hands, plus it will build your arm muscles very quickly. You can’t use your eyes for this exercise, so you will learn to dribble without looking at your hands.
Now you can see why in the beginning of the article it talked about how anyone can play basketball if they know what goes into it. You now are able to get yourself out there to give it a try. Keep these things in mind and get yourself a basketball and you’re set!
