TIP! It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

People love to play and compete in the popular game of basketball, which has attracted many since its inception decades ago. To become a better player, you must regard the game seriously and practice. Don’t stop, because this article is going to give you the information you need.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

Balance is essential to shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. These players are using creative improvisation. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.

TIP! Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

TIP! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. That is not a problem. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Work on free throws and pivot moves. There are always things that can be done.

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

TIP! If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! You should ensure that you can clearly see. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard.

Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents. When done right, the look draws your opponents to the wrong locale so that the person you passed to has a good long look at the basket before shooting. It can be quite powerful.

TIP! Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up.

Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.

TIP! In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. In order to be the best you can at basketball, you need to be strong and hardy.

To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. Use aggression with your moves. Don’t let them dictate the game. If you do so, then your rivals have the control. Instead, take the initiative and disrupt their rhythm.

TIP! If you are in a defensive position, keep yourself low. You will become faster and react faster.

Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. Learning how to pass the ball ensures that you can get the ball safely to a teammate who has better position on the court.

TIP! To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass.

Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This is play that’s powerful.

TIP! An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot.

You can strengthen you weaker hand by using it as much as possible, for instance open jars or even brush your teeth. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.

TIP! Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options.

Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited. If you don’t have the chance to shoot or pass, you can just pivot with the foot in the back. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and try get the ball away from you.

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

If you’re able to remember these things the next time you hit the court, you’ll have a lot more fun the next time you play. Read the article carefully and head out onto the court to get all of the practice you need before starting your next game. Keep all this information in mind to become better.