TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that.

You can play basketball just about anywhere. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. If shooting hoops is your thing, then you need to take some time out to read through the content that’s presented below.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

TIP! Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.

TIP! You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.

TIP! Interested in tricking your opponents? Make use of the back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

Want to trick the other team? Try a pass back! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should help to trick the other team.

TIP! When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. Many times you are unable to find people to play with.

Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

Jumping Rope

TIP! Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times.

Always be aware of your feet. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game.

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. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

Ensure that you have good court awareness. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. Having excellent peripheral vision is vital to do well in this game. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.

TIP! Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

When you have a chance, take a charge. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. It can be a momentum changer by making the other team think twice about dribbling the ball into the lane.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. They can then trap the point guard. Your forwards should then go cover the wing players. This can cause the point guard to pass the ball in a way that your teammates can easily steal.

TIP! Change your pace up to throw the offense off. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up.

You should keep the ball below the knees if you’re able to. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you. 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! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Being physically tough is as important as having the stamina to keep up with the game.

If someone shoots from the corner of the basketball court and misses, it will bounce over the net onto the opposite side. Anticipating this can help you score a quick rebound.

TIP! Keep low when you play defense. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path.

Your position immediately before and after a rebound can help determine whether or not you will keep possession. Use both feet to jump for the ball, then hold on with both of your hands. Once you have the ball in your position, come down to the ground with your legs spread out to make sure you don’t stumble.

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him.

No matter what kind of basketball game you are playing, be it one-on-one, H.O.R.S.E. or something else, learning about how to become better will make you better. Now that you’ve read all the way through this article, put it to good use! The more knowledge you acquire, the better basketball you will play.