Even the NBA’s best players don’t know everything there is to know about basketball. The sport changes with the times, and you have to keep up. Do you want to be a good player? Continue on so you’re able to get ahead of the rest.
Correct dribbling is key. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. You should be dribbling the ball at your side instead of in front of your body. The ball should always be dribbled at waist level. Look up, not down.
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.
When rebounding, start moving as soon as the shooter uncoils. When you react and move quicker, you better anticipate their moves and get more rebounds. When they start to uncoil, start contact by blocking them out. Make sure to do the same thing on offense since the shooter will most likely try to uncoil after the rebound. This can boost your number of rebounds.
If your child has a hard time learning to dribble a basketball with their fingertips, you can try using naugahyde gloves. They will help them learn proper dribbling since it forces them to use their fingers instead of their palms. Eventually, they will learn to just use their wrists and fingers. You can find these gloves in sporting goods stores or online.
As you develop your ability to shoot a basketball, try practicing on one foot only. This will improve many areas of your play, including accuracy when shooting. As you get better, move to practicing your shot from greater distances. Only after you master the basic techniques will you truly get better at long distance shots.
Beware of picking up bad habits from street basketball games. Street games are often rougher and flashier than team basketball. It’s a game to impress through individual showmanship, not from your work as part of a bigger group. Therefore, you can bring the wrong skills to the table if you base your team play on what you’ve learned from street games. Remember, you are part of something bigger than just you.
A player’s free-throw percentage is generally much higher than their field goal percentage. While part of this has to do with being in action with defenders right on you when shooting field goals, the other part is the dedicated form and practice put into this “free” shot. Be sure you spend some time practicing your free throws during each practice.
To help your muscles get used to the change of pace in dribbling during a regular game, do 10-5 drills. Soft dribble for 5 seconds, then power dribble for 10. Do it these drills a number of times on each hand. That way, the muscles in your arms will be prepared to change pace as quickly as you need to.
To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. If you are being guarded closely, halt your dribble and pass to an open teammate.
These tips should give you some food for thought at your next game or practice. You need all the information you can get to get and stay on top. Keep practicing and learning. Keep these tips in mind and be the best basketball player you can be!