Basketball: Taking It To The Hoop With Success

Learning to play basketball is an extremely fun and beneficial opportunity. Maybe you already play with a group of friends or maybe you are considering trying out for a local team. The following ideas are tips that the professionals practice each and every day. If you want to play in the big leagues, you have to learn how the big leagues play.

You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. This action most be quick to work out. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

If you are in a good position to receive a pass, put your hand up in the air so the current dribbler can see you. The basketball court is surprisingly small when you’re actually on it. And when you’re playing in a game filled with ten people, there’s a lot of chaos going on in that small space. Sometimes that hand is necessary so that the dribbler sees the option.

Don’t force your jumps in basketball. Try to jump as naturally as possible. When jumping and shooting, practice releasing the ball at the top of the jump. Your fingers should simply slide off of the ball and carry it to the basket. Make sure you do not release while going up or down in the jump. Only release at the top.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

When dribbling, try to keep the ball low to the ground. This makes it more difficult for opponents to steal the ball away from you while dribbling. Keep the ball low and pass it from hand to hand while weaving in and out through your opponents. This will help you maintain control of the ball.

Learn how to be patient and trust your teammates during games. Many players fall into the trap of not passing the ball and trying to do it all themselves. You need to trust them and pass the ball. This is a team sport and passing is part of what helps your team win games.

Interested in tricking your opponents? You should try a back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. This will trick your opponents.

Success in basketball is now a step closer than it was before. You can now head onto the court with confidence in your knowledge of the sport and its mechanics. Use the tips you have read here to surpass the other players and become the team star. Nothing is holding you back.