TIP! Dribble the ball correctly. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

Basketball has always been a loved sport, and so while the game is a competition, it is also fun. If you wish to learn how to play your best basketball, you should practice often. Using these tips will help you improve your basketball game.

TIP! Learn the best way to make your free throws. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate.

You need good balance when you shoot. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up. If you haven’t trained yourself to counter this, you could lose any control you have over the game.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Almost 80% of shots will be layups.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with. There is nothing wrong with that. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. You can practice many different techniques, such as your free throw routine. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

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 keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

TIP! Keep your eye on the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised.

As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. Now you can achieve a proper rebound and not commit a foul.

TIP! Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.

TIP! A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself.

In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. It will allow you to execute easy layups.

TIP! Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it.

If you have the right tips in mind as you practice basketball, you will find the game becomes easier and more enjoyable. Keep reading other resources so you can build up your game skills. Keep the advice handy as you better your skills.