Do you love sports? Do you wish to try your luck on sports handicapping but feel you don’t have enough skills?
Sports betting is on an upward trend in the United States. Outside Nevada, more states will soon offer legalized sports handicapping.
If you plan to ride the momentum, you need to start at the right foot. So how exactly do you start? What are the essentials that you need to know?
Continue reading below as we discuss some of the best tips that will help you strategize and move like a pro.
Unlocking the Essentials
Sports handicapping involves a combination of techniques and processes. These all work together to help you make decisions when betting in different kinds of sports. Though there are no definite rules for sports betting, there are essentials you need to consider.
Let’s take a look at 10 power tips that will help you end up on the winning end of the stick.
1. Do Your Research
Since you are new to the game, you need to start with research. Perform your due diligence and look into key details that affect the chances of the team you are betting on.
Start by checking the current roster. Who are the players that have injuries? Are they going to sit out the game?
What positions are they playing? Are they vital cogs or benchwarmers?
Before you plunge into your first bet, follow the sport intently for a couple of weeks. Take note of the factors that affect the teams’ respective rotations. You need to stay on top of the sport right until the day of the game you are going to bet in.
2. The Homecourt Edge
No matter how dominant a team may be, the homecourt advantage will still affect the game’s complexion one way or another. Some teams tend to play better at home. With the crowd on their back, they play with more zest and inspiration.
However, take note that playing on the home floor can sometimes be a detriment. This happens when the team is on a long losing streak. Consider how the home crowd reacts as some tend to boo their teams who are in a rut.
3. Data and Trends Matter
You also need to track and analyze trends and data. Though there are times when you can throw the stats outside the window, hard data still matters for most of the time.
Successful sports handicappers always consider what the numbers say. Thus, look at how the teams fare at home and on the road.
4. Keep an Eye Out on Value
Professional sports handicappers always look for value before betting. Two main factors dictate value. First is how you look at the matchup and second, how Las Vegas scores the matchup.
Look at the set of games for the day. Find the ones that will give you the value you are looking for. Thereafter, consider how Vegas looks at those games before betting.
There are also times when you need to bet on the “bad team.” This is applicable when a dominant team is facing a bad one on paper. In this scenario, the huge point spread yields high-value bets.
Another way of getting the most value is betting less on nationally-televised games. This is because bookmakers tend to take advantage of bettors who bet on the favorites.
These games come with inflated lines in favor of the stronger teams.
5. Mind the Weather
If the sports you are betting on involve outdoor play, you need to mind the weather. If teams play under snow or heavy rains, the weather will affect their play. It will impact their performance, particularly the output of the players.
In American football, for example, when athletes play under snowy conditions, they will encounter a slippery field. As a result, they will find it hard for their bodies to move and react.
They will have a problem with their footing.
In such an instance, the team on the offense will have a slight advantage.
6. Intangibles Count
Measuring the intangibles is tricky. You don’t see them on the stat sheet. Nor can you analyze them using numbers.
One of the key intangibles is the teams’ motivation. Are they fighting tooth and nail for a playoff spot? Or are they already in a position where they have nothing to play for?
Also, check if the teams that are playing are age-old rivals. These teams tend to give it all during their matchups.
If you are betting toward the tail-end of the season, some teams may opt to rest some of their stars. This happens when the teams already secured a playoff spot.
7. Who’s Under Fire?
In leagues like the NFL, coaching revamps are common for slumping teams. An average of four to five coaching changes take place every season.
If the players love their coaching staff, expect them to leave everything on the field to keep the latter away from the proverbial chopping block.
8. Master Your Emotions
Another secret of a professional sports handicapper is mastering the emotions. This means pros don’t bet with their hearts.
If you follow a particular team since childhood, there is a tendency to always bet in their favor. Thus, you need to set aside your emotions. Practice objectivity and consider the other factors when picking your sides.
9. Gambling Forums Work
You also need to visit reputable gambling forums. Most gambling forums are free. In these forums, you will encounter bettors who freely share their insights.
Join these forums and participate in the discussions. Listen to the advice of other bettors especially the veterans.
10. Learn to Say “No”
Last but not least, you should learn how to say “no” by passing up on certain wagers. You will encounter numerous wagers that seem to be smart upon first look. However, most of these wagers have little to no value.
Become a Master in Sports Handicapping
Through these 10 power tips in sports handicapping, you can join the fray with more confidence. You can make better decisions as you gather experience in every game.
If you wish to master sports handicapping or anything sports-related, the key is to continue learning. We invite you to check our different blog posts on sports and other topics.
We provide guides and comparisons that aim to help people improve on their respective crafts.