Basketball season tends to be an obsession to supporting fans and players. Keeping fans happy is all about playing well enough to keep them cheering. Start practicing now and improve your game. These tips help you be on a winning team.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. 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. Dribble while walking to the store. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score.

You should often work on your layups. This is the most popular shot in basketball. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.

If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.

Do you want to fool the other team? Try a pass back! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Now, pull it behind your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Do you see anything you could do differently? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. It is essential to move the ball around in order to succeed.

To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. This helps you avoid the foul call and also grab the rebound.

TIP! Don’t dribble during your drills. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.

The first step when dribbling is to bend at your knees instead of standing straight-legged. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. Merely bending your knees a bit can provide you with much better ball control.

Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage. It’s not just about going fast, it’s about changing the sound so the person gets a little confused.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket.

If you’re determined to do good at basketball, then you have to watch your diet. Increase your intake of carbohydrates to boost energy levels. You should also consume protein and a limited amount of fat. Peanut butter and nuts are great choices. Salts and sugars shouldn’t be used that often.

When you shoot, do what you can to temper your nerves. Stay focused on the hoop. Remember to shift your eyes so they watch the rim’s back as you shoot. With a lay-up, focus your attention on the backboard and how the shot will bank off into the basket.

If you have to guard a taller or bigger player, concentrate on remaining between that person and the player with the ball. This prevents them from getting easy passes, and hopefully prevents them from catching the ball and shooting it over your head.

TIP! Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop.

Many methods are available for amping up your game. When each individual plays well, the team has a better chance at success. Everyone is crucial, including the fans watching you. As a player, your part is the give the team all the help you can. So keep these tips in mind and become a player that everyone can be glad to have on the team.