TIP! Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

What basketball information should I know? What should I study to become better and to understand the game more completely? Here you’ll get a lot of info on basketball and great tips to help you. Read on to increase those skills all that you can.

TIP! Practice your layups a lot. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball.

To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! Practice the skill of pass catching. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard.

Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. You have to be steady as you play quickly. However, don’t try and push past your limits. Playing beyond your speed cause the game to get out of control with various turnovers and errant passes.

TIP! Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential.

Where are your feet? This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

TIP! Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports.

Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. This gives you an unfettered view of how you actually performed on the court, rather than relying solely on your memory of the game.

TIP! If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. In order to be the best you can at basketball, you need to be strong and hardy. Even the youngest players need to have strong arms and legs. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. Continue training throughout the adult years to maintain a constant performance.

TIP! To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results.

Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. Remember that high school, college and international standard lines are all shorter than the NBA distance. If you are able to make NBA-range three-point-shots, you will be able to find more open looks during your own games.

TIP! To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands.

Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills. You might be swarmed by various opponents or get an open court. You will have to know the right way to dribble when the body is doing different things. It will allow you to escape trouble a lot of the time.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills.

Be sure you’re doing the right kinds of exercises off the court to help you on it. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. Additionally, weightlifting and resistance training will help you develop the muscles needed for those long distance shots. Your shooting abilities are greatly enhanced by a more self-assured, aggressive mindset.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. You need a team to play basketball. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. You must help one another out. Communicate with them so that they know when you need assistance, so that you all collectively play better.

Know where missed shots are most likely to end up. Anticipating this can help you score a quick rebound.

TIP! If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. If your ability to use that hand starts to improve, the benefits to your basketball playing talents will be substantial.

The position you adopt before, during, and immediately following a rebound has an effect on your ability to keep possession of the ball. If you need to get up with power, use the strength of both legs when you jump and both arms to grab the ball. Once you have the basketball, land with wide feet that will help you keep your balance.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling.

If you are aware that the player with the ball has a weak hand, force the use of that hand. Use your body position to make the opponent move in a direction that is not as strong. Keep your head parallel to their chest, and you will stay low and primed to snatch the ball.

TIP! Stay low and dribble the ball below the level of your knees. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen.

These tips should help you become a better player. Are you ready to take the court by storm? Can you deal with becoming a better basketball player thanks to this article? Go forward, start practicing, implement these tips and find the great rewards you will get as a result.