TIP! You should often work on your layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

The freedom, enjoyment and delight people derive from the game of basketball is not overrated. In the game of basketball, there is much to learn about. Keep reading for some awesome advice that most any basketball player or fan can use.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes.

Practice shooting free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Practice a lot with the following method. Start out by holding the basketball right in front of you. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Then throw the ball just as you had visualized.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter.

Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. This should be something you do quickly. When done correctly, the crossover dribble help you to change direction in order to move down the court efficiently.

TIP! Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move.

Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. When a game is underway, not every throw will be perfect. Cover for your teammates’ errant passes by developing the hands to cover their mistakes.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent.

Don’t dribble during your drills. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement.

Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours.

If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills.

To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

TIP! It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes.

To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent.

You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable. An aggressive approach is an effective one for this purpose. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other.

If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand. This can have a major impact on the other team psychologically, and it can be a powerful play as well.

TIP! Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. This makes it more difficult for your opponents to steal the ball.

A great way to stay in a correct defensive stance is to always stay in position no matter what. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.

TIP! Keep dribbling in a particular rhythm until you think it’s time to trick the opponent. By dribbling consistently and then breaking it up into a different rhythm that’s fast, you can trick an opponent so you have more time to shoot.

Always stay low when playing defensively. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path. Stay in your defensive stance all the time. You should return to this position immediately after leaving it to block or defend.

TIP! It is important to take your diet seriously if you want to be the best player you can be. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, along with some fats and protein.

To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. Soon enough you will see great improvements on the court.

TIP! A missed corner shot will usually end up on the opposite side of the basketball court. Anticipating this can help you score a quick rebound.

To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots. Make eye contact with the target as you are off the ground, but not a moment sooner. This way, you will be ready for the rapid pace of game play.

TIP! If you know that the person with the ball is weak with one hand, force them to use it. If that player is right-handed, move in the player’s direction on your left foot.

Continuously dribble the ball until you have an opening to pass it to one of your teammates, or you are prepared to shoot. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling. If you don’t shoot or pass, you will have just stand there pivoting. This situation leaves you vulnerable to a double team by the defense, and you risk losing the ball.

TIP! When you’re in possession of the ball you have to know when a shot should be made or a pass needs to be. When you assist, you are still winning the game.

Use your non-dribbling hand as a barrier between your opponent and the ball. You don’t need to be shoving the opponents, but you’re able to keep them away by using the arm that isn’t dribbling as a separator. Keep this hand up as you’re dribbling the ball with the other.

TIP! When dribbling, be sure to bounce the ball with a lot of force. This is because when you bounce the ball hard, the ball is moving quicker and gives the defender less time to try to snatch it away when it is out of your hands.

When someone misses a corner shot, you can bet the ball bounces across the court. If so, you should be able to guess its next location and move to get the rebound.

TIP! Avoid arguing with officials and referees. Do not hesitate to ask questions or explain why you do not agree.

Basketball provides lots of potential as both a spectator sport and physical activity. However, you can enjoy the sport more by learning as much as you can about basketball. Hopefully, everything that you read here brought you much close to helping you understand this sport.