TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate.

Basketball is more than just something you play in intramural sports or in your P.E. class. It is possible to play basketball at a sports center, the park, or even at home. If you love basketball, this content allows you to perfect your game.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! You should often work on your layups. Almost 80% of shots will be layups.

Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos.

Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. This term refers to switching the hand you use. It should be done quickly. Once you master the art of the crossover dribble, you will be able to change directions quicker.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

TIP! Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. This should help to trick the other team.

TIP! Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. These skills require solid footwork.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. This is a great way to fake out your opponents. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. It’s quite a play when done properly.

Free Throws

TIP! When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

TIP! Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you.

Whether it is a pick-up game, H.O.R.S.E. or a competition, becoming a better player will help you have more fun when you play basketball. Now that you’ve read all the way through this article, put it to good use! If you learn new skills, your game will improve.