TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing.

You probably felt like you entered an alternate universe the first time you played basketball. There is more to the game that learning to shooting, dribbling and passing. Today, it may feel like you’re someone who knows everything about the game. The information below will teach you to be a better ball player.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

Balance is essential to 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. They have just improvised, is all. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes.

Practice layups often. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. Whenever you practice, approach the goal full speed, jump and take a smooth shot. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.

TIP! Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. If you are unprepared, you may lose the match fast.

TIP! Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Find out what they perceive as your best skill. Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

TIP! Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. 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! When you dribble, bend your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! It is important that you remain in control of the ball despite which way your body is going. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations.

Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

TIP! A good way to improve your game is by finding out from your teammates what they plan to do. Basketball requires a team.

You now have the knowledge you need to master the game. Put some goals into play and practice all that you can. When you add the tips and use them in your game, you’ll see the results you have always wanted.