TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

The first time playing basketball can be a surprising treat! You were finding your way around shooting, dribbling and passing. If you have been playing for a long time, you might think there is not much more you can learn. The following advice will prove there are things you did not know.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Keep the ball by your side as you dribble instead of right in front your body. Don’t look down, always look up.

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Do you do something particularly well? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet.

Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. Practicing your running and jumping as a single motion will improve your technique faster than practicing them separately.

TIP! Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball.

Perfect your bounce pass. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! Practice looking the other way when passing. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.

TIP! You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. No problem! You can still practice when playing alone. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You can always find things to work on.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass.

To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.

Solid Footwork

TIP! To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. Plant your feet and own that spot. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice.

Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! Keep the activity below the knees if possible. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

TIP! Remember that your diet has a great affect on your basketball performance. If you’re playing regularly, you need energy-loaded carbs as well as some fat and protein.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Soon, you will be able dribble with your weaker hand as well as you can with your dominant hand.

TIP! Build a sense of teamwork both off and on the court. When a basketball team gels fully, their game can reach entirely new heights.

You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

TIP! When you shoot, try to stay calm. Stay focused on the hoop.

When you have the chance, take charge. Letting the other guy run into you stops the game without having to use a time out, and adds another four to the opponent’s total. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.

TIP! In order to beat a zone defense you must be able to get ball penetration into the lane. If you are able to get past your defender, the opposing team will have no option but to switch up their zones.

Now that you have all these great new moves, you can improve your game dramatically. Practice makes perfect and use it to attain all your goals. When you add the tips and use them in your game, you’ll see the results you have always wanted.