TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team.

To really enjoy the game of basketball, you need to have some basic knowledge of how the game is played. Don’t know the score? Don’t worry. Basketball is not the easiest game to learn but you can do it. Continue reading to find ways to up your game skills.

TIP! Practice your layups a lot. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. Dribble on your way to school. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

TIP! Quality footwork will help you get better shots. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way.

Free throws have a huge mental element to them. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements.

Practice the skill of pass catching. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. You can do the rest of your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.

TIP! Build a consistent routine for your free throws. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results.

Never practice only against the zone. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.

TIP! In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. If you can master this move, it will give you quite the advantage when you are on the court.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. You will probably miss your shot if the routine you use is not perfect.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball.

Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. The more aggressively smart team is usually the one who wins. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control.

Be certain you are able to see well. While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that. Peripheral vision is important during game play. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This can throw off the opposing team and mess up their rhythm.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills.

Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. Try to block the net by planting your foot hard. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will do the same. When they do this, push yourself forward and take the chance to run by them.

TIP! Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game.

That was a lot easier than you thought it would be, wasn’t it! With all that you’ve now read about basketball, you really can see that it’s an amazing sport. Use these tips to master the game and have more fun.