TIP! Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots.

You can play basketball just about anywhere. It is possible to play basketball at a sports center, the park, or even at home. If your passion is basketball, take the time to read the following article to learn more about the sport.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist.

Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

TIP! It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones.

Practice layups often. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Do you do something particularly well? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

Free Throws

TIP! To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

TIP! To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

TIP! Can you see well? You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. You want to be sure that your peripheral vision is at its best.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing.

A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. However, don’t try and push past your limits. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball.

If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. This technique can really throw off defenders.

TIP! Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. For example, you can improve individual plays with sprinting.

Look away when you practice passing. This throws your opponents off. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It’s quite a play when done properly.

TIP! If someone is attempting a shot from one of the court’s corners, that shot (if missed) will probably bounce over to the opposite side of the net. If this is the case, you need to guess where it will end up and catch the rebound as a result.

No matter what type of basketball game you like to play, the better your skill level, the more you will enjoy your game. Since you’ve devoted this time to reading this article, the next step is to take these new skills out to the court. As you learn more, you play better.