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

No matter if you are in the stands or on the court, information helps appreciate the game. Not sure of the score? Don’t be sad! Basketball is easy to learn and fun to play as you gain skill. Read on and gather up some fun tips to help you better your skills and make the game more fun to watch.

TIP! Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.

Core Muscles

TIP! Understand your opponent. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. That means their hips, lower back and abs. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.

TIP! To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. You should also make sure that your dominant shoulder is lined up with the rim.

TIP! Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. However, don’t try to be faster than you’re physically able to be. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

TIP! Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

Free Throw

TIP! In order to help develop your non-dominant hand, you should use that hand only when trying to open things, and also when brushing your teeth. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.

TIP! You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! While you dribble, alternate your momentum from your left to right side. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game.

That wasn’t too bad, right? You should be able to enjoy basketball more now that you understand it better. Put the tips above to use in order to better your skills.