TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

Basketball is love by many fans around the globe. You can play on your own or with a team. You can also play for fun or try and make a career of it. Use this article to get more of an understanding of the game of basketball.

TIP! Practice your layups a lot. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups.

Look forward when dribbling. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Take the ball with you wherever you go. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. Get used to looking up as you go so that you can focus your attention on the court and not on your hands and the ball.

TIP! Practice your bounce pass. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.

TIP! If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.

TIP! Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes. Don’t be frustrated by how hard it is at first; you will get used to it.

TIP! If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. There are two important points you must remember.

You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. There’s nothing wrong with that. There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. What are your your best skill areas? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

TIP! Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Evaluate what you see honestly, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.

TIP! You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Make them uncomfortable.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements. Keep it simple and consistent, and the routine will become a part of your muscle memory.

TIP! Be sure your vision is unobstructed. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

TIP! Do not release your defensive stance. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot.

To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

TIP! When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball.

Never pass up a charging opportunity. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. Remember that high school, college and international standard lines are all shorter than the NBA distance.

When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. You will be able to react more quickly and jump higher because of this. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. When you block a shot, go back to a defensive form quickly.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options.

These tips can help you become a more versatile basketball player. It’s not hard, you just have to know what to do and work for it. After taking the court and actually playing, you will most likely want to get out there on a regular basis. Start having some fun!