TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

It is about time you learned about basketball. As a devotee of basketball, your goal is to become the best. No player knows everything, so remember that and keep practicing and learning. Perhaps this piece has something to offer you. Read on to find out how to become a better player.

TIP! You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. 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! Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Many times you are unable to find people to play with.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket.

Work on core strength when you work out. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Jumping rope can also help you become lighter on your feet and quicker on the court.

TIP! In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Just remember it has to be fast and consistent. The reason is, this routine will put your body on alert that the next thing coming is a free throw. This will help insure your success.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are.

When you are passing the ball, get used to looking in the other direction. This throws your opponents off. Not only will they not see the pass coming, they may think a pass is going in the opposite direction. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

TIP! Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This will easily confuse your opponents.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can stay stationary, catch all the ball, and shoot them from that same location. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand.

Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. Your defender will likely think you are taking a shot or passing, and straighten up as well. Once that happens, switch tactics and move forward. You should go right past them.

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. As a result, your basketball game will significantly improve.

TIP! Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next.

Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. To improve further, work on fast dribbling just before shooting. Look at your target while you’re in the air, but not before that. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Force them into an uncomfortable zone.

These tips will help you take your game to the next level. Learning all you can will always make the game better. Remember all the information that has been presented so that you can show off your skills. Enjoy yourself while playing, basketball is truly the best sport!