Take Your Basketball Game To New Levels By Using These Tips

No one will try to fix a car’s transmission without knowing how it is done right. Why would someone think they could be great basketball player if you don’t research the game? Use the basketball tips you game to an expert level.

Perfect your free throw. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. First, hold the ball just above your nose, about 8 inches from your face. Maintain focus on the basket and try to visualize your basketball falling through the hoop. Then repeat that when you take the shot.

TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

Make sure you are dribbling the ball correctly. When you dribble, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. This gives you better control of the best ball control.

You need good balance to shoot well. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

Keep practicing your layups. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! 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.

Make sure that you practice your layups whenever possible.Layups sometimes wind up to 80 percent of the shots in basketball.Run full tilt to the basket, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and shots throughout the game.

Free throws are as much mental focus as physical.Stay relaxed and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throw rate.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! Practice playing by yourself. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it.

Understanding your opponent is key in beating a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch replays and stay up on scouting reports. When you know your opponent, you will play a better defense. A defender that knows about defending makes a strong one.

Ask a video of you playing and watch it. Can you see chances that you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Be honest in your assessment but don’t be too harsh.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. They will probably notice the things you do best. You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

TIP! Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent.

Good footwork can really help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots.The defender may be coming toward you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball. This will get you a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.

Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you achieve it, you’ll have great speed and stride length. This is a vital skill to give you accomplish great layups on those fast breaks.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. By looking in the opposite direction, your teammate has a few extra seconds to make the shot. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

Changing pace can help you keep the offense is paying attention. When running toward the hoop, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will also straighten themselves. As they do, plow forward and run by him.

Strength training can be a major help your skills in basketball. Stamina and physical strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even little kids that play will benefit from the game. As they reach their teen years, begin adding weights to their exercise routine.

One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Don’t allow your feet to cross and opposing players will have difficulty getting around you.

TIP! AS you dribble the basketball down the court, keep your knees bent. It makes it much easier to control the ball while dribbling as opposed to standing straight up, which makes controlling the ball much harder.

Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard and trap him in place. Your forwards should then go cover the player on both sides.The point guard will make a pass that your forwards can steal.

To boost your ability with the weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. This will show in your basketball game as well.

Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you. This takes some stooping and bending, but just move quickly down the court as you thwart the opposition.

TIP! You should spend some time shooting from various places on the court. First, practice your balance and grip.

When you learn the game of basketball and practice hard, you’ll feel really good about yourself. This is true for basketball as well as many other things in life. Becoming a basketball expert will allow you to win more games and wow your teammates.