No one is born to be a star player. If you don’t know what you’re doing in basketball, how can you possibly get better? The following tips will help you learn how to play your best.

Paying Attention

TIP! One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Bring the ball no matter where you go. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

Constantly practice layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. Of course, there are also other factors involved.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving 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. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.

Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you. If you are unprepared, you may lose the match fast.

TIP! Watch how the pros play basketball. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. Don’t worry! You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always practice something.

Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Are you skilled at something? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

After you understand the inner workers of an automobile, you’ll excellent. Learning to be the best basketball player possible would be even more exciting. Have fun impressing your teammates with your new skills and win all the games you can.