TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard.

Basketball is played all over the world, and it’s a fun game. In order for a team to win, each player has distinct skills which must be accurately performed. The following article will share some useful advice to help you improve your game.

TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

Pay attention to what you are good at. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

TIP! Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You must train both your body and your mind. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.

Perfect Passes

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. That is okay. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Practice free throws and layups. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

Don’t play when you are injured! Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. See a physician if you think your injury is serious.

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball.

Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Your palm should touch the ball as little as possible. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! Make sure your vision is good. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

Free Throw

TIP! Keep low when you play defense. This helps your reaction time against your opponent.

High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him.

Look away when you practice passing. This should befuddle your opponent. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. The line in every other league is closer.

In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.

TIP! Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. During game time, you’ll find yourself dribbling from all sorts of positions.

If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball. This will get you a rebound without having to commit a foul.

TIP! If you’re serious about basketball, seriously consider your diet. Basketball uses a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to fuel your body with lean protein and whole grains.

You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you. If you are being closely guarded, you should cease dribbling and pass the ball to an open member of your team.

Basketball Player

TIP! It is necessary for you to change the path of your opponent. With practice, you can learn how to control the path of others players with your footwork.

If you are a basketball player, you know how important it is to be a well-rounded athlete. Now that you have read the article above, you ought to know what it takes to become a better basketball player. Re-read the article if you must and don’t cease practicing using this advice for bettering your game.