TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

Basketball is a favorite of all ages. However, many folks still have much to learn regarding this pastime. This article is meant for everyone to further appreciate the game of basketball, and to get better.

TIP! Always work on your layups. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Balance is important when shooting. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

TIP! Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

Practice using different types of defenses. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you. If your practice hasn’t included this type of scenario, you might lose control rapidly.

TIP! Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand.

If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Are you really good at any one thing? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly. If you want to play the game fast, you need to drill continuously. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game.

Where are your feet? When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

Free Throw

TIP! A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles.

High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

TIP! Take every charge you can. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. The easiest way to make sure you’re doing great at free throws is to do repetitions of the same routines time and again. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up.

Good footwork can really help you to get those rebounds. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball. This helps you avoid the foul call and also grab the rebound.

TIP! You can really up your performance on the court by doing strength training. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. When they do this, push yourself forward and take the chance to run by them.

TIP! When dribbling, bend your knees. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This helps you jump fast and react quickly. Remain in a correct defensive pose always. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.

TIP! If possible, keep action beneath the knees. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low.

Practice a variety of shots from different locations on the court. Start out by practicing grip and balance. Even though it is less accurate, it is possible to score with off-balanced shooting. You can use your basketball’s valve to improve grip. Spread out your fingers, and center the valve in your hand.

TIP! Manage your nerves whenever you shoot. Keep your eyes on the rim and don’t lose focus.

Basketball is appealing to people of all types. Knowledge is what makes or breaks a player. Keep this article bookmarked so that you can refer back to it as you practice and improve your game.