What is there to learn about basketball? How can I hone my skills? This article will provide you with great tips that will come in handy the next time that you go to play a game of basketball.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.

TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

Watch how the pros play basketball. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You’ll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.

TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

Practice playing by yourself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. That’s fine. Solo games can help you immensely. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. You can always do something.

Strong Points

What do your teammates admire about your skills? What areas are your strong points? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. When done right, the look draws your opponents to the wrong locale so that the person you passed to has a good long look at the basket before shooting. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone. The more aggressive you are the better. Do not let them choose the plays to make. Otherwise, the opponents will win all the shots and dominate you. Try to interrupt their game plan by taking charge and controlling the tempo.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster. That means there is less time for the other side to grab it. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.

TIP! When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core.

If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

Improve your shooting skills by taking hundreds of different shots from all angles and distances. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot. Only lift your head up to check out the target once you are in the air. This can help to improve your accuracy by simulating actual game conditions.

A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. Basketball is considered a team sport. It is not all about one-on-one offense or defense. This knowledge makes it easier for you to assist each other. If you communicate your wishes before you go out on the court, the team will work better as a unit.

TIP! In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court.

Foster a strong team camaraderie both on the court and off. Basketball is a sport that goes so much further when a team truly connects. If you feel like you know your teammates like the back of your hand, and you trust them too, then you’ll see your game lifted to new heights!

Are you now ready with answers to your biggest basketball questions? Are you prepared to impress one and all with your basketball prowess? Do you think this article has helped you figure out how to be a more effective basketball player? Go forward, start practicing, implement these tips and find the great rewards you will get as a result.