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

Practice is the best way to build your skills. That said, what’s the point in practicing when you aren’t doing it right in the first place? The tips here are going to help you get the ball into the net every time.

TIP! Perfect your bounce pass. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.

TIP! Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to actual games or watch on TV.

Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Keep an eye open for easy shots.

TIP! Interested in tricking your opponents? Make use of the back pass. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

TIP! Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team.

Basketball players must be fast. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. Consistent, repetitive drilling is the key to speed. Just don’t play any faster than you’re able to. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. A good hard dribble brings the ball back to you much faster, leaving less time for the opponent to steal it from you.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

TIP! Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This speeds up the dribbling cycle, which means the person covering you has less of a chance to steal the ball each cycle. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. When that happens, rush forward and power past them.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. It makes it much easier to control the ball while dribbling as opposed to standing straight up, which makes controlling the ball much harder.

It matters not how regularly you get to play basketball, because this advice will help each and every time you get the chance to hit the court. Start using a tip and see how much better your game gets. Improve your shooting, passing, and overall game control.