TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Many people around the world love watching and playing basketball. Many people have much more to learn when reaping the benefits of the sport. Keep reading for some awesome advice that most any basketball player or fan can use.

TIP! If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Practice this technique regularly. Start with the ball ahead of your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. When you shoot, keep the visualized trajectory in mind.

TIP! Constantly practice layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

TIP! 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 way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Watch as many games on TV as you can. You’ll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.

TIP! If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up. If you have not practiced enough on this scenario, you could run afoul of the scoreboard very fast.

TIP! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents.

In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

TIP! If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot.

Look away when you practice passing. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. It really can be a powerful technique.

TIP! Your routines must be consistent for free throws. Inconsistency does not make a better shot.

To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. This seems an impossible feat when you start.

It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes. You have to build your peripheral vision. Having good court awareness to see everything around you lets you see plays develop before they happen, either by warding off the defenders or getting the ball to open teammates.

TIP! Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back.

To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. Try to block the net by planting your foot hard.

Switch the weight of your body while you are dribbling. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. You must learn dribbling from all kinds of directions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.

TIP! Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot.

Use the hand you aren’t dribbling with to keep the opponent away from the ball. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul. When dribbling, use it as a shield.

TIP! Your diet is key to being a better player. In order to be ready for practice and games, it is vital that you have the proper energy stored in your body.

Stay in communication with your teammates. Basketball involves playing on a team. This means that defense and offense are not one-on-one. Everyone must contribute as a team. Be vocal on the court to form better communication with your teammates for play.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. If so, you should be able to guess its next location and move to get the rebound.

Practice all kinds of shots from every court location. Practice your grip and proper balance. It is possible to succeed when shooting in an off-balance way, but the odds do suffer. The basketball’s air valve can be used to aid in perfecting your grip. Spread your dominant hand’s fingers, and place the center of it over the valve that’s at the the ball’s center.

TIP! Passing should be an integral part of your game. Your opponent will have a more difficult time stealing the ball if it is frequently being passed.

When shooting the ball you have to be sure not to get nervous. This will help improve your focus during the shot. Condition your focus on the backside of the rim during the times when you shoot. If you are not doing a lay-up, it is best to look at the area from which the ball should bank off.

TIP! For players that are advanced in basketball, dribbling works on a mental and a physical level. You control the spin of the ball, where it lands and how hard.

To play or to watch, basketball is truly one of the most enjoyable sports in existence. To make sure that you’re getting the most out of the game, you should know all that you can about the sport. Hopefully, this article has helped you learn a few things about the game.