TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

It is hard to forget the first time you played basketball. There were so many different things to learn about the game. Now, you might feel as though you are a pro. But these tips here may show you a few new tricks!

TIP! You should often work on your layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

To be a great basketball player you need to work on your 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. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. 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! Free throws are mental as well as physical. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

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. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you.

Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Avoid this with hand signals that let you know if the player is open to receiving the pass. Without a signal, players shouldn’t attempt to pass.

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. These will both require powerful footwork.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.

TIP! During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable. Execute aggressive moves. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.

When you have the chance, take charge. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. This can make for good psychological warfare.

Strength Training

TIP! Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot.

Basketball players need to engage in strength training. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. Use weights when they get older. Strength training is essential once you reach the adult years.

TIP! To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport.

To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. Then they need to get to the guard on point to trap him. As your guards are doing this, send your forwards out to the outside opponents. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.

TIP! The only way to gain skill in outside shooting is to make over 100 practice shots every day from various spots on the court. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot.

With all the advice you have now, there is no limit to where you can go. Set and follow through on goals to become more skilled. Use the tips here when you are creating your strategy and you will see big improvements in your game.