TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

Whether you want to shoot hoops like a pro or cheer from the bleachers, you need basketball information in order to enjoy the game. Don’t know the score? Don’t worry. Basketball is a very simple game that is very enjoyable. Read on for some basketball tips that will have you calling all the shots and making the slam-dunks for your team.

TIP! Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

Figure out how to perfect your free throw. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy. You should practice as often as possible with this technique. Place the ball right in line with your face. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! Practice layups often. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

TIP! Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television. 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.

Solid Footwork

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot.

Find out what your teammates like most about how you play? They will probably notice the things you do best. It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot.

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. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. Pay attention to dominant hands. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

Free Throw

TIP! Always bend the knees while dribbling. If you are standing straight, you will have a harder time controlling the ball and your opponent will be able to steal it more easily.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options.

See, it really isn’t that complicated. You know more about the game of basketbalal, and you know how fun it is. Take the things you’ve just learned here so you can get better at basketball, or just figure out how to adjust your TV to watch the pros go at it!