The sport of basketball came about because of Dr. In 1891, Dr. James Naismith invented basketball. These days, basketball is a wildly popular sport to watch and play. Basketball has made many celebrities out of its players, from Shaq, to Magic Johnson. J and Michael Jordan are now huge celebrities. This article will give you some tips to help you play like the pros.
Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.
If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.
Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. A simple hand gesture can let your teammate know you’re ready for the pass. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.
If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.
If your opponent is pressing hard, you can give yourself some room to work by dribbling the ball between your legs. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.
If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.
Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Never try though to get too fast that you can’t make any plays. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.
You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Make them uncomfortable. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. Never let them control the game plays. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.
Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, it is time to pass the ball.
Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. When you do it right, the opponents are going to think you’re moving in one direction. That way, the person you’ve given the ball to has a bit of time to look at the net to taking a shot. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.
Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back. That can be psychologically disturbing, and is a power play.
Don’t leave your defensive stance. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.
Why is basketball such a popular sport? It’s because it is fun and simple to play. If you are in love with this game, the tips in this article will prove themselves to be priceless. Increase your skill and enjoyment by using the excellent advice presented here.