TIP! When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

What all should you know about basketball as a sport? What do you need to get down to be the best player that you can be? The knowledge found in this article will help you master the game.

TIP! Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

Balance is important when shooting. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. Those who do this are improvising. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.

TIP! If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. That means their hips, lower back and abs.

Practice layups often. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

Errant Passes

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts.

Make sure to practice catching passes. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop.

Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This helps to maintain balance throughout your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. During the game, you will dribble in various situations.

Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.

TIP! Communication with your team mates is crucial to your overall success. Your actions and strategies must not be kept to yourself.

Did these tips help answer some of your basketball questions? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Can you imagine yourself really improving your game now? Keep going, keep practicing, and using these tips to better your results.