TIP! When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

Who invented the game of basketball? Dr. It was invented by a man named Dr. James Naismith. After that it has become something that a lot of people have fallen in love with. From Doctor J. Shaquille O’Neill is another celebrity forged by the sport. Read on to learn from the successes of some of the greats.

TIP! 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.

Shooting has much to do with proper balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Practicing your running and jumping as a single motion will improve your technique faster than practicing them separately.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes.

Want to become a better basketball player? 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.

Core Muscles

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try a pass back! Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.

TIP! Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. When looking at the tape, don’t be too critical, but be honest. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important.

Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This should befuddle your opponent. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. You’ll miss if you don’t have a good routine down.

TIP! Where are your feet? An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. Did you spot something that could be improved? Honestly and openly assess your own performance.

You need to mess with your opponent’s head. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable. Make aggressive plays. Don’t allow them to control the match. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Make your moves first and end their patterns.

TIP! Practice passing while looking another way. This should befuddle your opponent.

In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen. Being able to do this lets you lead your team on a fast break and gets you to the rim that much quicker.

TIP! If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. Try dribbling a little and pull up for your shot.

Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it. Your basketball skills will benefit.

TIP! Keep the activity below the knees if possible. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. The established International standard line is closer, as are the high school and college lines. Learning how to shoot from the NBA three point line can help you get better looks at the basket.

TIP! Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Running, both sprints and long distance, can help your game.

Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. In this way, opposing team members will have difficulty stealing the ball. This will help you move the ball down the court easier.

TIP! Keep your dribbling consistent until the time you want to confuse your opponent. The opposing player expects you to maintain that rhythm, so when you switch things up you create an element of surprise.

You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball. Keep this hand up as you’re dribbling the ball with the other.

TIP! Build a sense of teamwork both off and on the court. Basketball teams can achieve greatness when the whole team blends cohesively.

You need to follow a rhythm when you dribble so you can break the rhythm and throw off an opponent. Your opponent is looking for the best opportunity to steal the ball, and switching it up can break their concentration. Both the change in speed and sound will confound the player who is guarding you.

TIP! As you come off a rebound, come down with legs that are spread out wider than the broadness of your shoulders. This will increase your balance.

All you need is a hoop that is 10 feet high, a long court and ten team members to make a team. A strong knowledge is required if you want to play it well. Using this article as a starting point, keep practicing and learning and you’ll soon be a master of the game.