Before you start playing basketball, make sure that you know the basic techniques of your favorite game. Even professional basketball players had started practicing these techniques before they became pro shooters and great dribblers.
Now, this section offers you awesome information about different techniques which you can use in playing basketball. Here are the basic techniques that you need to know:
SHOOTING
Shooting is one of the major basketball techniques that is a must to know and practice. It is a method of a player where he shoots the ball into the basket. The successful shooting leads to scores, of course.
There are many ways to shoot a basketball and the most-used and well-known shots are the jump shot, the layup, the slam dunk, the alley hoop, and the hook shot.
1. Jump Shot
It is the most basic shot in basketball. Based on the name of its technique, all you need to do is to jump and to shoot, hoping the ball slides into the net. Should the ball gets into the basket, you can score 3 various types of points namely the single-point shot, the basic two-point shot, and the three-point shot.
The two-points and the three-points are scored while the game is in action. The three-pointer can only be counted if the ball goes into the net from being released behind the three-point line, whereas the single-point is only scored during fouls, or free throws.
2. Lay-up
It is where you are close to the basket and mainly "lay" up the ball, so that it will just fall into the basket. You can only score two-points on every lay-up that you make.
3. Slam Dunk
Slam dunk is an exceptionally awesome move in the ball game, but not all players can do it. In order for you to make this shot, you have to be really tall, or you need to jump so high. To achieve this, you have to jump up while you hold the ball, then have it above the rim of the net, and place it through the hoop.
Of course, a successful slam dunk also requires force. The most exciting of all is that you can even hold onto the rim after doing an incredible dunk, to score 2 points. This kind of shot requires thorough practice because it is never easy to do.
4. Hook Shot
Hook shot requires you to shoot moving your hand in a hook motion. This technique is used to shoot over the defense men who are quite tall. It is actually a shot with only one hand because your other arm will be used to create space between you and the opposing defensive player. It is quite difficult to block, but few players have mastered the shot more than a few feet from the basket.
The quantity of the score given will be based on where you shoot from; two-points inside the 3-point line, or three-points outside the three-point line.
5. Alley Hoop
Actually, alley hoop is a popular shot but not really a part of the four basic shots in basketball. The alley hoop ties in with the lay-up and the slam dunk. Basically, you throw the ball up into the air, and your teammate jumps into the air to catch the thrown ball for a lay-up or a tremendous dunk. However, this is not always seen in basketball game.
Using this shot, you will just score a single point.Well, you need to practice a lot before you master all these shots. Hard work and patience are really needed to become a great shooter like your favorite NBA players.
DRIBBLING
Another basketball technique is called dribbling. It is basically propelling the ball in any direction by bouncing it with the hands. You might say it's easy to dribble the ball, but it's somewhat difficult. If you're going to look carefully at the players in any professional basketball game, you'll see them using various types of dribbles to get past their defenders.
In general, there are seven different key ways to dribble the ball: the basic dribbling technique, the crossover dribble, the spin dribble, or reverse dribble, the "change-of-pace" dribble, the "behind the back" dribble, the "pull-back" dribble, and lastly, the "through-the-legs, dribble.
Some dribble techniques are listed below:
1. Basic Dribbling Technique
Take it from its name, this technique is the most basic dribbling method that everybody knows. You just bounce the ball, but to master this type, there are some small but really important things that you need to do.
First, you need to simply bounce the ball, but only with the tips of your fingertips. If you bounce it with the palm of your hand, the ball will not bounce very well.
Remember to always have your knees bent when you are dribbling. In this way, you can certainly move and guard the ball. Don't forget to keep your head up because you will be able to see the court more clearly when you do this.
2. Crossover Dribble Technique
This dribble technique requires you to basically dribble the ball from one hand to the other. You can use this to your advantage when you're coming up against a player that is trying to defend you. To achieve this method, you need to step forward with your foot in the direction you are going.
Hold the ball on the opposite sided hand, and as you set forward with that foot, "crossover," pass the ball to the same side that the foot is on with a firm wrist flick.
3. Spin Dribble Technique
As the name implies, you spin around to get past your defender. To do this dribble, you have to dribble first, but as you reach the defender, step forward with the opposite foot and spin on that foot. The best thing to do in this type of dribbling technique is to try to keep your head up while spinning, because it is essential to look around you while you're making spin.
PASSSING
Passing is also used as a great technique in basketball. It is when the ball is moved between different players. You have to take note that there are a few types of passing like the chest past, bounce pass, overhead pass, and outlet pass.
1. Chest Pass
Chest pass is the main passing technique in which ball is passed to the chest of a player who receives it.
2. Bounce Pass
Another technique is the bounce pass where you bounce the ball from your own chest to your teammate. This type of pass is usually used in crowded situations.
3. Overhead Pass
This type of passing is made by a player like you when you want to pass the ball over a defender.
4. Outlet Pass
Another type of passing is called the outlet pass. It is used when the team gets a defensive rebound. How will you make a successful pass? Well, you can make such pass if it is difficult to be seized or stopped by your opponents.
Practice more, so you successfully pass the ball without any interruption or turn-over.
These are just some of the basic yet important techniques you have to use while playing basketball. If you really want to excel in the world of basketball and become a pro or famous, you will start learning these aforementioned techniques. Use them to your own advantage. Good luck!