Even the greatest basketball players alive do not know absolutely everything there is to know about the game. Things change on a regular basis and there are different tactics you can use. Are you looking for a jump on your opponents? Get an advantage by using the tips in this article.
When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Defense is essential to winning these games. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.
Always protect the ball when you are in possession of it. Keep your dribble off to the side of your body to make it more difficult for another player to steal the ball. While you generally want to avoid dribbling in front of you, you can do so if there are no other players in your immediate vicinity.
Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. It should be done quickly. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.
Keep in mind that basketball shoes don’t last forever. Ask questions at the store or do research to find out just how many games or months a good pair should last before needing replacement. You need to feel safe in the quality of your footwear when moving on the court.
Never leave the practice court without taking some practice shots. Do some free throws, lay-ups and 3-point throws every practice before you leave. Of course you are doing some shooting during practice, but this additional practice will help you in the long run. Keep practicing your shooting on a daily basis.
When you play basketball, be sure that you remain properly hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after playing. Becoming dehydrated can negatively affect your game and your health. It is possible to lose up to 2% of your body weight through dehydration. That can also cause between a 10% and 20% decrease in your athletic performance.
When a teammate passes you the ball, make the most out of it. If you have an open shot, go ahead and shoot. If you do not have an open shot or think that you can get open, do the right thing and pass it along to another teammate. They may have the shot that you don’t.
If you experience a slump in your scoring and shooting, your shoulders may be the cause of the problem. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. You should also make sure that your dominant shoulder is lined up with the rim.
Keep your opponents guessing as to where you will be going next. Dart right, lean left, move back and forward too. The more movement you have on the court, they less likely they are to be able to guess what your plans are, allowing you to trick them and make the shot.
Moving without the ball is an important skill to master if you want to become a better scorer. Standing still while on offense just makes you that much easier to guard. Instead, you should stay active and constantly be moving around. You’ll not only wear down your opponent, but you’ll also get more open shots.
With any luck, you are now ready to attack the court with a new sense of confidence. They were put together so you can become better at the game. Never give up on the learning process and stay committed to regular practice. Take your game to the next level, and remember what you’ve read in order to get started.
