TIP! Practice shooting free throws. It seems easy to do but surely isn’t.

No one tries to fix a car engine problem without knowing how to fix it properly. Why would you expect to become a great basketball player if you don’t research the game? The following tips will help you learn how to play your best.

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. 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.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you haven’t trained yourself to counter this, you could lose any control you have over the game.

TIP! Practice layups often. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots.

Don’t dribble during your drills. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! Never practice only against the zone. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage.

Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. Do you do something really good? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent. Regular drilling will increase your speed. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.

TIP! If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back.

Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

Free Throw

TIP! When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. 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! Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This should befuddle your opponent. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice.

Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

TIP! Take charges whenever possible. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. Use aggression with your moves. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.

TIP! The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you may use your free arm to create a barrier that keeps your opponent away from the ball.

Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.

TIP! Be sure you do the sort of off-court exercises that help you during games. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, while running sprints will help you with fast-paced moves.

Knowing exactly what you need to do to make your game the best it can be will leave you filled with a feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction. This is true for basketball as well as many other things in life. This can help you to impress your teammates, and help you to win games.