Basketball isn’t just a frivolous game. You could have fun playing at a park or in your driveway. If you enjoy shooting hoops, focus on improving your knowledge of the game with the advice contained here.

If you want to excel, you have to play to 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. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball. This can be prevented through the use of hand signals. If the person doesn’t make a signal the person shouldn’t get passed to.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

Whether you’re playing competitions, H.O.R.S.E., or pick-up games, becoming better at basketball can help you enjoy it more. If you are going to invest the time into reading this article, you surely want to put your new knowledge into action. The more than you learn, the better you will play.