TIP! Constantly practice layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Basketball basics are simple to learn. You can pick them up after just a minute or two. Of course, if you desire to be more than a casual player, there’s a lot you can learn from this article.

TIP! Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Dribble on your way to school. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Give the back pass a try! If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. It has to be done fast to be effective. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You must train both your body and your mind. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

TIP! Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

Work on being able to receive a pass. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists.

Do you want to fool the other team? Give the back pass a try! Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Then, move the basketball around your rear. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This helps trick your opponents.

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team.

If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Footwork is the key to either of these.

Become Injured

TIP! Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard.

If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. Trying to tough it out and keep playing, even if you are experiencing discomfort, can exacerbate an injury even more. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.

TIP! Do not release your defensive stance. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage. If you want to play the game fast, you need to drill continuously. However, don’t try and push past your limits. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

TIP! Your defenders need to wait for the point guard to make it 10′ ahead of the time line. They should then trap the point guard.

Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.

TIP! Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited.

Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.

TIP! Your off-court practice should mimic your on-court playing. Sprints help you gain skill in individual plays, while running longer distances will increase your stamina.

Maybe you are a newbie when it comes to basketball. Maybe you have been playing your whole life. Regardless of your personal circumstances, this article should help you up your game. Take heed of what you learned here and bring it with you next time you head to the court.