TIP! When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense.

Basketball is loved by many, in part because of how quickly things happen in the game. Still, if you want to be good at basketball, there are a few pieces of advice you should take to heart. This article has some tips you can use to get better at the game.

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not. Try using this technique in practicing. Place the ball right in line with your face. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. Then, shoot the ball using the trajectory you pictured.

TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. There’s nothing wrong with that. Solo games can help you immensely. Work on free throws and pivot moves. You can always practice something.

TIP! Need to dupe the opposition? Try doing a back pass! Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. If your teammate misses your signal, then they may miss the ball as well and the other team could gain possession.

TIP! Don’t play when you are injured! It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. The dominant shoulder needs to be lined up with the rim.

TIP! For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. However, don’t try to be faster than you’re physically able to be. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.

TIP! It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

Basketball is a sport that is enjoyed around the globe. You need to know more than just the basics in order to play ball like a pro. The information in the above article is your starting point for becoming a great basketball player.