TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player.

When you wish to better your basketball game, you must practice. Of course, you need to understand the basic techniques before you can actually practice them. This article will teach you the right way to play basketball.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the shops. Maintaining unbroken visual contact with the ball makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings.

TIP! Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Make sure to practice catching passes. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. So you should do the team a favor by knowing how to take in any kind of a pass that comes from someone.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

TIP! If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Once you have a solid idea of your opponent, you can dial in on the best way to defend. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Did you spot something that could be improved? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh.

In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

Free Throw

TIP! If possible, the action should remain below your knees. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low.

A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

TIP! Make sure your dribble is consistent until you decide to shake up the opposing player. The opposing player expects you to maintain that rhythm, so when you switch things up you create an element of surprise.

To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. If you find it difficult to continue using your weak hand, make your strong hand unusable. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

TIP! If you already know that the ball handler has a weak side, try to force the use of it. Move towards their right side so they must dribble with their weaker left hand.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Don’t just think you’re able to stand around, catch the ball and then shoot it. You have to get the ball around, too.

TIP! Try to stay calm as you shoot. The basket should be the your main focus.

Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.

TIP! Have an idea as to when is the best time to shoot the ball and when is the ideal time to pass if your teammate has an open shot. Instead of hogging the ball and losing the game when you fail to make the shot, be a team player and pass it off to the player who has the better chance to make the winning shot.

Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. You want to be sure that your peripheral vision is at its best. When you can see the big picture, you can react to anything.

TIP! You need to bounce the ball hard when dribbling. The harder the ball is bounced, the more difficult it becomes for your opponent to reach in and steal the ball away from you.

Whether you play basketball all the time or just once and awhile, the above tips will be of help. Every skill can be improved on. You will learn to play like a professional basketball player.