how to play basketball better
How to Play Basketball Better
Anyone who plays basketball knows the importance of passing accurately and defending effectively. These are things that come with better physical fitness, but if you really want to improve your game you need to focus on improving your shooting abilities and your dribbling skills...
- You must spend hours practicing your jump shots and layups from a variety of positions on the court. Only then will you know your most favorable positions.
- The grip with which you hold the ball is also very important. You need to focus on using your fingers and less of your palms while shooting, and your stronger hand should hold the ball while your weaker hand supports it.
- You need to time your jump to perfection as well, and release the ball when you are at the highest point in the air. Work on your standing jumps a lot, and try to achieve as much height as possible. Work on your footwork too, and ensure that both of your feet point in the direction of the basket when you shoot.
- The follow through is also very important after you take a shot. This involves flicking your wrists when the ball leaves your hand, and your fingers should be pointing downwards when this happens.
- When you are taking a free throw you need to keep your feet shoulder width apart, point your feet in the direction of the basket and also ensure that you hold the basketball around the seams. This will allow you to get a smoother and cleaner action when you shoot.
- The ball must always be close to your body. If there is too much distance between your body and the ball, the opponent will be able to steal it with ease.
- You must always try to use both hands while dribbling. If you only use one hand then your actions will become very predictable, and the player who is marking you will be able to read your game better.
- You need to always keep your eyes up when you are dribbling. The whole purpose is to pick a good pass and spot a teammates run, so people who need to look at the ball while dribbling do not make good dribblers. Have a good understanding with your teammates and understand the concept of passing into space, and release the ball at the right moment.
- Avoid using the palm while dribbling, and focus on using only your fingers.
- Also lower your body slightly so that your center of gravity is closer to the ground. This gives better control while dribbling.
- Try to dribble the ball to the side of your body and not right in front, as doing so will it make it simple for the opponent to steal the ball again.
- Try and change direction as often as possible, and do so by twisting and turning your body. Also remember to bounce the ball hard on the ground so that it reaches your hand without you needing to slouch too much.