If you have wished you were a basketball star, you know you’ve got to commit and practice enough. This is true even if you only want to play for fun. The following tips will help you improve your game.

Balance is vital to good shooting. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

TIP! If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to actual games or watch on TV. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! Need to dupe the opposition? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Hold the basketball with your writing hand.

Do you want to fool the other team? Make use of the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Move the ball so that it is behind you. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.

Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Do you have an area where you excel? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball. Don’t just think you’re able to stand around, catch the ball and then shoot it. You must move the ball to have things happen.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team. That can be psychologically disturbing, and is a power play.

TIP! Avoid errant passes by using 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.

Use these tips mentioned above and you’ll improve your game in no time. You will soon become a better player if you apply the tips you just read in this article. Having a three step plan is sure to lead you to success.