Your first basketball match was a whole different ballgame. You were learning how to pass, dribble, and shoot. Now, you feel like you are the game’s master. There is still a lot more to learn, and the following tips will show you how.
When you’re passing the ball, make sure that you pass the ball to the location of where the person should be headed. You don’t want your pass to be the reason a person needs to slow down or double back. Your pass should be aimed for a little bit in front of the person that you are passing to.
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.
Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.
Work on flexibility. Flexibility is very important during basketball. This is because you may have to stretch to grab a ball that is in the air. Additionally, increased flexibility helps protect your tendons and joints from the damage caused during this fast playing sport. Do flexibility exercises often and always stretch before beginning any game.
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.
Quality footwork will help you get better shots. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.
Keeping calm and reacting maturely to getting beat is as important to your game as anything else. If your opponent has played harder and has out-hustled you, don’t get upset or stressed out, as your game will only suffer. Instead, think about how to match the intensity of your opponent. Beat them at their own game.
Take your ball with you wherever you go and dribble as often as possible. This allows you to practice handling the ball on all sorts of surfaces. For example, it will react differently on grass than it will on a wooden court. If you can master moving the ball on any surface, you will become a better ball handler.
There’s always room for improvement in basketball. Set and follow through on goals to become more skilled. Adding in these tips will help you achieve your goals to improve your game.
