TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

What all should you know about basketball as a sport? What should I learn to become a better player and appreciate the game more thoroughly? Reading these tips gives a quality information base when it comes to playing basketball.

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

Catching Passes

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

Work on catching passes frequently. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! Be sure your vision is unobstructed. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots.

If you wish to dribble the ball better, you have to start using your hand that’s considered the weak one. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot.

To avoid turning the ball over to the other team, make sure that you’re dribbling hard. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If the defense gets to be too much, look to pass the ball to someone who is open.

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot.

Take a charge if you can. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. A steady dribble interrupted by a fast dribble will take your opponent by surprise and give you the advantage.

To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. This can cause the point guard to pass the ball in a way that your teammates can easily steal.

TIP! If someone shoots from the corner of the basketball court and misses, it will bounce over the net onto the opposite side. If that happens, you need to anticipate when it will land so you can catch it on the rebound.

These tips should help you become a better player. Do you think you’re ready to play? With hard work and persistence, you can develop your skills to be a good overall player on the court. Practice a variety of skills every day to improve your overall game.