TIP! Always work on your layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Basketball begins as a new adventure for most. You began to figure out how to play such as shooting, dribbling and passing. You might feel like you’ve mastered the game today. Keep reading though, you just might find out there’s a lot more to learn.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. Start by holding your basketball right in the front of your own face. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. Shoot on the same path you saw in your mind’s eye.

TIP! When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Even though having strong muscles is great for the inside game, being on the outside it can harm you when shooting the ball.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass.

Practice layups often. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

TIP! Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? How about the behind the back pass? Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Next, place the ball behind you. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should help to trick the other team.

Natural Abilities

TIP! If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs.

Find out what your teammates like most about how you play? Do they feel you are really good at something? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

TIP! A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off.

In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.

TIP! You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. One area of focus should be to keep your shoulders aligned straight toward the hoop. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.

TIP! The only way to gain skill in outside shooting is to make over 100 practice shots every day from various spots on the court. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot.

Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! It is important that you remain in control of the ball despite which way your body is going. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. If you are being guarded closely, halt your dribble and pass to an open teammate.

TIP! Concentrate your ball-handling below knee level whenever possible. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you.

If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer. If you get it from the NBA range, your open looks will have deeper range than defense will mind you until you begin hitting.

TIP! Try using your non-dribbling hand like a barrier between the ball and your opponent. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently.

Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina. Working out with weights helps to improve your muscles and the physical part of the game. The confidence and adrenaline that builds don’t hurt either.

TIP! Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Sprint running can help improve on-court speed, while distance running is sure to boost your stamina.

There is no limit to your success when you use these tips. Set goals and practice regularly if you want to hone your skills. When you start using the things you’ve learned here, you’re going to be able to be at the top of your game like you’ve always wanted to be.