Would you let just anyone work on your car, or try to do it yourself without finding out the proper way to do things? Don’t think you can become the greatest basketball player ever without studying the sport and practicing your skills. There are many useful tips in this article that will help your basketball game.

Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. It may seem nearly impossible at first, but over time your team will learn to throw accurate passes and be in good position to receive them.

You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.

TIP! Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. You will not be able to control your moves if you play faster than you are able to.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

Practice passing while not looking in the direction of the pass. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. If you’re doing it correctly you can fake your opponent out so he/she moves towards that direction and then you pass the ball to a wide open teammate for a shot. It’s quite a play when done properly.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot. Also, this will improve your balance as you approach the basket.

Free Throw

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. Then you gain the ball without the foul.

You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. You don’t need great vision just to keep score. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. If you view the entire game without focusing on the ball, you’ll see defensive pressure advance, along with open teammates.

When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This can be devastating to the other team.

Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up. Your defender will likely think you are taking a shot or passing, and straighten up as well. When they do, push ahead hard and outrun them.

When you learn by developing a skill, you will be proud. Learning to be the best basketball player possible would be even more exciting. This will allow you to win the games you play, along with making sure your teammates are impressed.