Playing Basketball: How To Improve Your Game

Basketball is a game that can be played in different places. It is possible to play basketball at a sports center, the park, or even at home. If you enjoy shooting hoops, focus on improving your knowledge of the game with the advice contained here.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard. Practice a lot with the following method. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Bend your knees to control the arc of the ball.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. These will both require powerful footwork.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. What are your your best skill areas? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. This gives you an unfettered view of how you actually performed on the court, rather than relying solely on your memory of the game.

Whether you’re playing competitions, H.O.R.S.E., or pick-up games, becoming better at basketball can help you enjoy it more. Reading this article is great only if you use what you have learned here. The more knowledge you acquire, the better basketball you will play.