TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

Basketball has been loved by old and young players for years. There are many people that don’t know how to play. This article should be of help to fans and players of all skill and dedication level.

TIP! One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.

TIP! Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.

TIP! If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play.

Practice the skill of pass catching. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! You can learn to trick the opposing team. The back pass is just the thing! Hold the basketball with your writing hand.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Are you skilled at something? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly. Playing fast requires steady drilling. However, don’t try to be faster than you’re physically able to be. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and excessive turnovers.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. What areas are your strong points? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. Look at how you did and judge yourself. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.

TIP! In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports.

You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.

TIP! One of the most vital attributes one needs to play basketball is quickness. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly.

Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. As they age, begin adding weights to their exercise routine. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.

TIP! Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

When you are defending, keep your stance low. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path. Stay in a defensive stance. When you have to break out of stance to block a shot, get back into form as quickly as possible.

TIP! To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off.

Practice shooting hundreds of shots during each training, and you quickly improve shooting skills. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on. Once in the air, keep an eye on the target. But, be sure not to look at it beforehand. This can help you simulate the conditions of the game and also helps you improve accuracy.

TIP! A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Don’t let them get comfortable.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options. If you decide not to shoot or pass, all you can do is pivot on your rear foot. The chances of the ball being stolen is high, and you might be double teamed as well.

TIP! Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge.

Basketball appeals to all types of different people. One thing you have to do to play well is to know a few things about it. This information will help you to get your skills to the highest level.