Who invented the game of basketball? Dr. Since that time it has gained steadily in popularity around the world. It’s now a hugely popular sport. Players who excel in basketball have become household names. From Kareem Abdul Jabaar to Michael Jordan and Ervin “Magic” Johnson, it has truly become a game of celebrities. If you’re wanting to know what goes into becoming a good basketball player, keep reading this article.

Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Try a pass back! Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. Doing this will trick your opponent.

Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around. That should not matter. You can still do a lot on your own. You can practice many different techniques, such as your free throw routine. You can always practice.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Footwork is the key to either of these.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. Trying to continue playing even if you’ve got discomfort can make the injury worse. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Can you get better at something? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

Free Throw

High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. Inconsistency will ruin your shots. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

A game of basketball consists of ten players, a court, the ball and a hoop that is ten feet high. If you have the urge to boost your skills, knowledge is important. The tips you just read should be helpful but they represent a very small portion of the many things you need to know about basketball.