TIP! Keep practicing your layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Basketballs is indeed an exciting, fast-paced sport that many people enjoy. Still, if you want to be good at basketball, there are a few pieces of advice you should take to heart. This article will provide you with great tips to better your game.

TIP! Free throws have a huge mental element to them. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. You’ll have a lot more control over the ball this way. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Make use of the back pass.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. You must do it fast for best success. A good crossover dribble can give you the opportunity to switch directions and progress on the court much faster.

TIP! If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.

TIP! What do your teammates admire about your skills? Are you great at any one thing? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

Practice playing by yourself. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. That is not a problem. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the hoop. The dominant shoulder must be perfectly aligned with the rim.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles.

Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

Free Throw

TIP! Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work.

Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.

TIP! Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you.

To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.

TIP! If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent.

Make sure your vision is good. You don’t need great vision just to keep score. Great peripheral vision is an asset. It allows you to view the game as a whole rather than simply watching the ball. In this way, you can be aware of the players around you.

Strength Training

TIP! Dribble the ball below knee level. This will make your opponent struggle to steal the ball from you.

Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. When they become teens, try using weights to keep enhancing their exercises. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! Communicating with your teammates is a vital part of being a good basketball player. You need a team to play basketball.

You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your outside shooting game. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. This can help to improve your accuracy by simulating actual game conditions.

TIP! You should spend some time shooting from various places on the court. You will want to learn how to be steady and have a good grip on the ball.

If possible, the action should remain below your knees. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you. You will need to bend somewhat for this to happen, but it’ll allow you to move quickly down the court as you ward off your opponents.

TIP! Build your team up at all times. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well.

Practice all types of shots while in different distances and angles. Practice your grip and balance first. Shooting when off-balance isn’t impossible, but it isn’t effective either. Perfect your grip by using the basketball valve. Keep your dominant hand spread out, and place the palm on top of the valve; this is the basketball’s center.

TIP! When you are in control of the ball, you should know when to attempt a shot and when you should pass it to someone with a better shot. It’s better to assist a goal, than the team to lose a play.

Your diet is key to being a better player. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, along with some fats and protein. Enjoy lean proteins, whole grains and nuts. Stay away from salt and sugar.

TIP! Focus on the ball and where it is going. A crucial part of the game is being able to rebound the ball.

The position you adopt before, during, and immediately following a rebound has an effect on your ability to keep possession of the ball. Use both feet to jump with power and balance, and use both hands to grab the ball. Avoid landing with your feet close together or you risk losing your balance.

TIP! Passing should be a focus if you want to improve your game. Passing keeps the defense confused.

It is important to know what to do when the ball comes to you. Should you shoot it or pass it? You are better off cooperating to make a winning shot instead of hot-dogging and making a bad shot that loses the game.

TIP! Know what aspects of your game are weak. Be honest with yourself.

When playing defense, push your opponent over to the sideline. Pushing them out to the side will give them with fewer options. If you can get them pushed off to the sideline, then their options aren’t as open.

TIP! When you are on defense, forcing your opponent toward the side of the court can be a great move. If you leave the middle part of the court open, it gives them more options to stop you or make plays on offense.

When you’re working out, you should jot down what needs to get done. A lot of players head to the gym without a plan. They socialize and wander aimlessly from one machine to the next. When you have your plan written out, you can follow it without becoming distracted.

TIP! Arguing with referees is never a good idea. You can ask a question, and you might not agree with all the calls they make.

This article has shown you just how fun basketball can be. You need a good knowledge base for basketball if you desire to get better. Use the tips above to become the best basketball player you can be.