TIP! When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet.

What things should I understand when it comes to basketball? What information will learn the ins and outs of the game so I can be the player I want to be? The article below offers you a beginning point to giving you an understanding of the fundamentals of basketball, so keep reading and take this information to the court the next time you go out and play.

TIP! Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Defense is how you win a basketball game. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! Practice your layup shot often. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not. Practice regularly and employe the technique that follows. Hold the ball level with your face. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Then repeat that when you take the shot.

TIP! Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Try a back pass. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you. Quickly flick with your wrist in the direction you want to pass the ball. This should trick the opposing team.

TIP! Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. You can stay away from doing this if you use a hand signal to see if someone is ready for a pass. If the player does not flash the signal, then the player can avoid an errant pass.

TIP! Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This gives you better control of the ball.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

Shooting Slump

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? When looking at the tape, don’t be too critical, but be honest.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! It can help you when you pass through your legs. Go forwards and backwards with the ball to practice bouncing it.

To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. Whatever you do before each shot, from dribbles to body motions, should be the same each time. This routine will help you make your free throws, but make the routine a quick one.

TIP! Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands.

Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This helps your reaction time against your opponent. Always stay in the proper stance on defense. The only time you should be out of your stance is when you are jumping to block an opponent shooting.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. Taking charges gives you an opportunity to get defensive stops, get the ball and lay the groundwork for fouls.

If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand. Your game will be noticeably better.

TIP! Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. The line in every other league is closer. When you can shoot from the NBA range, you’ll be able to shoot from farther away than the defense expects.

TIP! Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up.

Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. Work on sprints to make you faster and build your stamina. If you need to perform better shots, work on your resistance by doing some weight lifting. Practicing will also build your confidence when shooting.

TIP! Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

Keep dribbling in the same rhythm, until finally you would like to throw the person guarding you off guard. Changing your pace can confuse them. Speed and rhythm are two of the strongest advantages you can have to thwart the opposing team.

TIP! For exercise, do a workout regimen that will enhance your skills and presence on the court. Work on sprints to make you faster and build your stamina.

Practice all kinds of shots from various spots on the court. Work on your grip and balance first. Off-balance shooting can happen, but it’s not as accurate. You can use your basketball’s valve to improve grip. Spread the fingers of your dominant hand and put the center of your hand over the valve located at the center of the basketball.

TIP! To become a great player talk with your teammates and learn what they have planned. Basketball involves playing on a team.

Where you are standing on the court can make a difference as to whether you get a rebound. Jump using both of your feet to gain greater balance and control and grab the ball with two hands. Once you grab the ball, spread your feet out wide as you land to help maintain balance while also keeping the ball tight to your chest.

TIP! Keep dribbling in the same rhythm, until finally you would like to throw the person guarding you off guard. The opposing player expects you to maintain that rhythm, so when you switch things up you create an element of surprise.

When guarding a player who exceeds you in size, attempt to stay in between that player and the one with the ball. Keeping your body in position will prevent them from getting a pass or being in position to shoot.

TIP! Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. If that happens, you can guess the place where it will go and manage to get the rebound.

These tips should help you become a better player. Are you pumped to take your new skills to the court? Are you set to up your basketball skills? Practice a variety of skills every day to improve your overall game.