People just love basketball! No matter if you prefer to watch games on television, play in a pick-up game on weekends or shoot baskets in the driveway, you likely know that basketball isn’t going anywhere. If you enjoy playing the game, you can enjoy it even more if you improve your skills. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you make some great strides towards winning.
Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.
Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.
Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. Trying to tough it out and keep playing, even if you are experiencing discomfort, can exacerbate an injury even more. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.
Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. When shooting or passing the ball, only your fingers should contact the ball.
One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. One area of focus should be to keep your shoulders aligned straight toward the hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.
If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Evaluate what you see honestly, but don’t be too hard on yourself. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.
In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. So, if you shoot using your left hand, launch with your right foot. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.
As you can see, your game can be improved in many ways. You can improve your game by learning new techniques and practicing them often. No matter what you are trying to learn, practice makes perfect. You just need a basketball and a hoop. No matter if you’re practicing with a group of friends or your team, the more chances you get to perfect your skills, the better you become as a player.