Get Better At Basketball By Following These Tips!

Basketball is such a fun sport beloved by many. The pros make it look easy, but mastering it is not quite so simple. Read on to learn what you can do to understand and enjoy basketball experience.

Practice layups often. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Many people forget that defense is the key to winning.Defense is what stands between you win a basketball game. Offense may be splashier, but lacking a solid defense, any basketball team is destined to lose.

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

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it. Keep your palm off the ball too. When you’re shooting or passing, the only place the ball should touch your hand is on your fingers.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw shot. Practice a lot with the following technique. Start by holding the basketball right in front of you. Keep your eyes on the goal and visualize the ball going through the hoop. Then shoot! Shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

Always dribble with your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball.You should never be looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Bring your ball no matter where you go out.Dribble the ball when you’re walking the shops. If you’re looking at the basketball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

Make sure your vision is good. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position.

Do not practice zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. If your practice hasn’t included this type of scenario, you can quickly lose control of the game.

Good footwork remains a shot when you are posting up. You must beat your opponent to the opposing playing to an open spot. Once you have gotten into position, you also need to secure your spot. These will both require solid footwork.

In order to confuse the offense, try changing your pace. When you are getting closer to the net, put your foot out and straighten up your body. You will have the guard think that you’re slowing down. In turn, they will straighten themselves. When that happens, rush forward and power past them.

TIP! Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations.

Never have your back to the ball so that you can always be prepared for what’s coming. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Keep your eyes open for easy shots.

Ask a video of you can see how yourself in action. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or ways in which you could have improved? Be honest in your assessment but don’t be too harsh.

Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! If you already know that the ball handler has a weak side, try to force the use of it. If they are right handed, step towards them with your left foot so they have to switch sides.

Passing between the legs is great when you have defense all over you.Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs. Mastering this movement gives you with a major advantage on the court.

A routine will help you to achieve great free throw shooting. If you’re not consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. The easiest way to get better at free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the same routines time and again.

If you are in possession of the ball, learn when you should shoot and when you should pass. Better to be responsible for a shot that leads to a win, than to be that one player whose bad shot cost the team a win.

You must disrupt your opponent’s head. Force opposing players into an uncomfortable zone.Be aggressive as you execute.Do not let them to choose the plays to make.

You will have better ball control by bending your knees just a bit.

Really understand where your playing is weak. This above all else, to thine own self be true. Practice your foul shots if you often miss them. If you play weak inside of the paint, focus on shots like your short shot, and train a little more vigorously. Practice those weaker parts to your game in order to become a better overall player.

TIP! When you practice dribbling, bounce the basketball as hard as you are able to. Bouncing the ball hard makes it move faster.

Only cease dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. You are limited once you stop dribbling. If you opt to not pass or shoot, all you can do is pivot onto the back foot. This leaves an opening for your opponents to double team and that means you are also more likely to get the ball stolen.

Do you want to show off your new skills? Perhaps a little practice of what you read should come first. Get motivated, get energized and get excited; then, show your stuff on the basketball court. In no time at all, your skills we be noticeably stronger as a result of this advice.

When it comes to playing defense, the name of the game is forcing the opposing player to the sidelines. Letting an opponent penetrate through the center of the court will give them lots of options. If you can push them toward the sideline, however, their choices will become more limited.