TIP! Always work on your layups. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots.

The number of people that have enjoyed watching and playing basketball can’t be overstated. Many people have much more to learn when reaping the benefits of the sport. Read on to learn some little known facts about this popular game.

TIP! If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Perfect your layup technique. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. Whenever you practice, approach the goal full speed, jump and take a smooth shot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

TIP! Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important.

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. There are other variables to consider though.

TIP! Never play through an injury when playing basketball. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

Practice catching passes often. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Do you do something particularly well? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

TIP! Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This keeps it under control.

You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all. Don’t get upset if it seems hard, this will improve your team’s passes over time.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.

TIP! If you experience a slump in your scoring and shooting, your shoulders may be the cause of the problem. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed.

Practice playing by yourself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. Don’t worry! It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. You can work on pivots and free throws. There is always something to practice.

TIP! Quickness is a key skill in basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. Once there, you have to firmly claim the area as your own. Footwork is the key to either of these.

TIP! If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards.

A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team.

Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.

Free Throw

TIP! Maintain a rhythm to the dribble until you are ready to surprise the opponent. Changing your pace can confuse them.

A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

TIP! Be sure that you’re not double dribbling. This occurs whenever you resume dribbling after a brief pause.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you. When you are being guarded closely, pass the ball.

TIP! When you are coming back down from a caught rebound widen your stance. This will help to increase your overall balance.

Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position. Keep your body constantly facing toward your opponent in order to ensure the best possible defense.

Strength Training

TIP! Part of being a great basketball player is knowing when it is time to give the ball to someone else. It is better to be part of a winning shot than to be the sole player in a shot that cost the game.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. Even the youngest players need to have strong arms and legs. When they become teenagers, they will be able to step up to weight work to become even stronger. Strength training is essential once you reach the adult years.

TIP! Being a good passer is key to being a good basketball player. You can confuse the opposition with your passes.

Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. Be in the correct defensive stance all the time. When you block a shot, go back to a defensive form quickly.

TIP! One of thing you should learn if you are going to be a good basketball player is how to pivot. Practice often so you do not have to think about pivoting during a game.

Basketball can be fun for both players and spectators. However, you need to know everything about the subject to be sure you’re reaping all of its benefits. Hopefully, everything that you read here brought you much close to helping you understand this sport.