TIP! Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games.

Millions of people love playing and watching basketball. In order to truly enjoy the game, it is important to understand it as completely as possible. This article helps a reader understand perfectly.

TIP! It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. They’re just improvising at this point. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.

TIP! One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Knowing how to run and jump quickly and smoothly will assist you in knowing how to leap and shoot more effectively while playing.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action.

Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Take a deep breath, relax and imagine you are at practice to help yourself make the shot.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot.

You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

TIP! If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Do not waste time criticizing yourself.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.

TIP! In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off.

Would you like to pull one over on the other team? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful. Don’t worry! You can still do a lot on your own. Work on free throws or three pointers. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Is there something that you excel at? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

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

Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. It takes steady drilling to play fast. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. By playing beyond your speed capabilities, you will quickly lose control of the ball, which will lead to bad passes, bad shots, and turnovers.

TIP! You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots.

Basketball is so fast-paced, it can be difficult to take your eyes off the action for even a second. However, it’s so easy for novices to be lost, wondering what the fuss is all about. We hope this piece has provided the sort of guide that virtually anyone looking to understand basketball better will find useful.