TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing.

Many people love basketball. Whether is it the watching the championships, playing on a team of your own or just shooting hoops in your own yard, basketball is definitely here to stay. If you enjoy playing the game, no doubt you want to show your best on the court at all times. While you can’t win them all, you sure can bring your game to the next level.

TIP! If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Bring your ball along when you go out. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

TIP! Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Are you skilled at something? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail. Relax your mind and keep your concentration centered on the basket to make more of these freebies.

TIP! Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent.

Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

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

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball too. Fingers should be the only point of contact as you pass or shoot the ball at its target.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Work on core strength when you work out. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

Free Throws

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up.

Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

TIP! Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. This technique can really throw off defenders.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand.

Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal. If you are being guarded closely, bring your dribbling to an end and pass the ball to another open team member.

TIP! Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. The international line is much closer.

Take any opportunity to strengthen your weaker hand and build your skill by using it to brush your teeth or open jars. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it. Your basketball skills will benefit.

TIP! An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

Keep your knees bent while dribbling. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball. You will gain a lot of ball control by bending your knees just a bit.

TIP! Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen.

Always set your three-point shooting practice goal at the official NBA distance. All the other lines are closer. If you can hit from NBA range, you can get open looks at a deeper range than a defense is probably going to mind you (until you start hitting).

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. It is a sport that requires team work.

Avoid dribbling above your knees. In this way, opposing team members will have difficulty stealing the ball. This also allows you to cover large distances across the court, which makes it difficult for opposing players o block you.

TIP! You need to follow a rhythm when you dribble so you can break the rhythm and throw off an opponent. Dribble consistently, then break it up by dribbling fast.

If you want to play better, communicate with your teammates so you know what they intend to do. Basketball is a sport played by a team. Playing is more than just you and one other person. The whole team has to work together. Speak to others and tell them when you’ll need help so everyone can play better.

Basketball Valve

TIP! If you are guarding someone larger than you, try to stay between them and the person who has the ball. This will prevent them from getting an easy pass and stop them from shooting the ball right over your head.

You should spend some time shooting from various places on the court. You need to practice your grip and balance. Shooting when you are not in balance is less accurate, but it is possible. To get a perfect grip, use the basketball valve as a point of reference. Cover the basketball valve with your palm and spread your fingers. This will center your hand on the ball.

TIP! Passing should be an integral part of your game. Passing can work to confuse opponents.

Diet is essential when it comes to playing ball. If you’re playing regularly, you need energy-loaded carbs as well as some fat and protein. Improve your game through improving your diet. Good choices include chicken, whole wheat, peanut butter, and other nut based foods. Try not to use too much salt or sugar.

TIP! For players with advanced skills, the act of dribbling is a mental and physical ability. You control the spin of the ball, where it lands and how hard.

Clearly, there are quite a few ways to help yourself play a better game. Many techniques can be mastered easily through repetition. Anytime you practice it makes you a better player, and whenever you have the opportunity to do so, do it. Whether it is practice with your team, playing a pickup game with friends or even just playing with younger players for fun, it all adds up to better skills and sharing the love of basketball.