TIP! Correct dribbling is key. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Basketball has a great history and origin. It came about because of Dr. It was a game that became popular rather quickly. It has developed into an extremely popular sport. People of all ages love the sport of basketball. Indeed, many basketball players are well known celebrities. This article will give you some tips to help you play like the pros.

TIP! Practice shooting free throws. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting.

You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Use this technique to better your game. Start with the ball ahead of your face. Keep your eyes on the goal and visualize the ball going into the goal. Next, take your shot seeing the ball move in the trajectory you envisaged for it.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player.

You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

Playing Faster

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. It takes steady drilling to play fast. Do not try playing faster than you can. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes.

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If you have a glitch in the routine, you are likely to miss your shot.

TIP! Never try to push through pain after an injury. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury.

You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Make aggressive plays. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. If you let them, they’ll totally take the control from you. You should make the initial move and throw them off.

TIP! Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team. This can be devastating to the other team.

Strength Training

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. You are limited once you cease dribbling.

If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. You need both strength and endurance if you are going to excel. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. If you have been exercising regularly for years, it might be time to introduce weights into the mix. When you’re an adult you have to be sure to do strength training to do well on the court.

TIP! You should practice your dribbling while switching your balance from right to left. You’re going to be dribbling in many different conditions during a game.

You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will help you with your basketball game also.

TIP! Switching up your dribbling rhythm can really throw the defense off. Dribble consistently, then break it up by dribbling fast.

A regulation basketball game consists of just ten players. In order to play basketball well, you need to have a lot of knowledge. This article has provided you with some great tips, and you need to keep practicing in order to master them.