TIP! Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

Even the NBA’s best players don’t know everything there is to know about basketball. Not only must you know the basics of basketball, you must also keep up with the many and frequent changes as they evolve. Do you want to have a hand up? If you really want that edge, take a good look at the article below.

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They are merely making up the play on the spot. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

Bounce Pass

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

Practice your bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball.

Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies.

Practice your passes and catches frequently. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. This will help you catch those bad passes during a game. You can do the rest of your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.

TIP! As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.

Core Muscles

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. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on.

Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. Core muscles are the connectors between arms and legs. If the core muscles are weak, basketball performance will suffer. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.

TIP! Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. After dribbling is stopped, your choices are very limited.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! While you dribble, alternate your momentum from your left to right side. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills.

Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.

TIP! To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. 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.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. 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 quite powerful.

TIP! Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. Smooth dribbling interrupted by a quicker dribble is a great way to catch the opponent off-guard and go in for a shot.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. Practice and repetition are the only way to become a consistent free thrower. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

TIP! You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. Whether you’re playing offense or defense, controlling what the other player does is essential.

You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.

TIP! Make sure you don’t double dribble. This occurs whenever you resume dribbling after a brief pause.

Hopefully you’re able to be more confident about playing a game of basketball after reading through the tips above. We have chosen them specifically to help you become a better player. Never stop learning or practicing. Keep these tips in mind and take your skills to a whole new level.