TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

Do you feel like basketball could be a great game if you knew more about it? You’re not the only one! There are many people out there who love to take in a basketball game and are very curious as to how the pros play so well. You’ll learn a lot through this article to help you become better at the game.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. This method gives you much more control of the ball. You should be dribbling the ball at your side instead of in front of your body. The ball should always be dribbled at waist level. You should always look upwards instead of at the ground.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion.

Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Use this technique to better your game. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Then, use the trajectory you just visualized and shoot the ball.

TIP! One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you look your ball, you can’t see the court.

Bounce Pass

TIP! If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball.

A bounce pass is essential to learn. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. It is important that you see how other people play the game. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

TIP! Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. That is okay. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. You can work on pivots and free throws. You can always hone your skills when practicing alone.

TIP! In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. Without a signal, players shouldn’t attempt to pass.

TIP! Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders.

In summary, there were probably a lot of things you did not know about the great sport of basketball. Now that you’ve read this compilation of tips, however, you’re ready to act like a pro. Follow this helpful advice to get started playing basketball.