What should you know about playing basketball? What will help me to perfect my game? The knowledge found in this article will help you master the game.

TIP! If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way.

Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. When they become teenagers, they can start using weights to increase their exercise. It’s important to continue strength training when you are an adult to maintain your performance.

TIP! You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Keep low when you play defense. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. Stay in your defensive stance all the time. When rebounding or blocking, you break the stance, but then you must get back in the stance quickly.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction.

To create a trapping machine in a standard 2-3 zone, have your two top defenders or your guards wait until point guard is about 10 feet from the time line or midcourt. Then, they ought to trap the point guard. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

TIP! Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique.

Bend the knees when you dribble a basketball. Standing straight makes it hard to control the ball. Some minor bending of the knees makes a big difference in your ability to control the ball.

Stop Dribbling

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Force them into an uncomfortable zone.

Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you have to pivot on the back foot. This situation leaves you vulnerable to a double team by the defense, and you risk losing the ball.

TIP! Improve your shooting skills by taking hundreds of different shots from all angles and distances. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot.

Try to contain the action to the area below your knees. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen. Although this means bending a bit, you will be able to move quickly down the court, particularly since you will be successfully avoiding those who are attempting to get the ball from you.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

Switching up your dribbling rhythm can really throw the defense off. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage. The speed is important, but it works in tandem with the sound to disorient the player who is guarding you.

TIP! It is important that you remain in control of the ball despite which way your body is going. Real game dribbling has a lot of variety.

Practice making shots from a lot of different places on the court. You need to practice your grip and balance. Off-balance shooting is possible but much less accurate. The valve, which is located at the center of the ball, should help you perfect your grip. Spread the fingers of your dominant hand and put the center of your hand over the valve located at the center of the basketball.

TIP! A good way to improve your game is by finding out from your teammates what they plan to do. Each team has multiple players on it.

If you want to perform your best in basketball, you need to eat well. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein. You want to make sure that your body has enough energy to keep going; think about eating chicken, nuts and whole grain bread. Salts and sugars shouldn’t be used that often.

A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. It may bounce back right into the opponent’s hands.

TIP! Avoid double dribbling. This occurs when you halt the dribble once, only to begin dribbling immediately thereafter.

Make strong team environments off and on the court. When your team is of one accord, your game will be the best possible. The ability to intuit and appreciate the actions of your teammates can significantly improve your performance as a whole.

TIP! Keep your anxiety level low when shooting. Focus on the basketball hoop.

As you come off a rebound, come down with legs that are spread out wider than the broadness of your shoulders. This will increase your balance. Your hands must be positioned on both sides of the ball, and the ball must be held tightly against your chest. Make sure you don’t hit anyone else with your elbows.

TIP! All great basketball players must master pivoting. You have to practice footwork and get ready to pivot without getting unstable on your feet or disoriented.

In order to have good court awareness you must have a sense of who has the ball and where it is at all times. Rebounds are a critical component of the game. It doesn’t matter if you defend an opponent greatly when they shoot and miss if you can’t get the ball once again.

TIP! You should know your weaknesses. It’s important to be honest when it comes to your weaknesses.

A dribble that penetrates is key to overcoming a team that is concentrating on a zone defense. This can help you to break up the defense. If you’re close enough to the hoop, take the shot. If the penetration opens up another player, slide the ball their way for an easier shot if you haven’t got one.

TIP! You need to bounce the ball hard when dribbling. The harder you dribble the ball, the faster it is moving.

Have your questions received answers? Are you prepared to impress one and all with your basketball prowess? Can you imagine yourself really improving your game now? Apply the advice from this article the next time you are on the court and watch how your game improves!