TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player.

Years ago, basketball was invented by Dr. Although it wasn’t a hit straight off, it is very popular now. Today it is beloved by players and fans all across the globe, making it a powerful force in the world of sports. Michael Jordan comes to mind. There have been celebrities brought about by this game for some time now. Check out more of this article to understand more about their success.

TIP! Make sure to practice catching passes. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. Dribble on your way to school. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

TIP! You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.

TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will. Relax, take your time and be focused.

TIP! Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction.

Never practice only against the zone. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt.

Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Frustration can be an issue at first, but passing will improve as time goes by.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. If the pain is bad, visit a doctor.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start.

When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Jump rope like the boxers do to increase your footwork speed.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. This is a tricky move, but it will provide you a good advantage when you play.

TIP! Defensive players need to stay low. This will aid you as you jump and make it easier to react to the front man.

Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

TIP! To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. Then they need to get to the guard on point to trap him.

Dribble the ball hard to keep it from being stolen. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.

TIP! AS you dribble the basketball down the court, keep your knees bent. The basketball is much harder to control if you stand tall and the opposing team can snatch it more easily.

A regulation basketball game consists of just ten players. A strong knowledge is required if you want to play it well. This piece provides a good beginning, so keep working and improving.