Want To Be A Better Basketball Player? Use These Tips!

TIP! Practice your free throw shot. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting.

As far as basketball goes, the best players don’t even know everything about the sport. Players are getting better and you must keep learning to be competitive. Learn to get the upper-hand of your competition. Read on to learn how you can gain a basketball edge.

TIP! Improving your balance means improving your shots. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Many times, defense actually wins the game. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes.

It is important that you practice layups. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Even though having strong muscles is great for the inside game, being on the outside it can harm you when shooting the ball.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Try using a back pass! Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them.

Now you should be a more confident basketball player. Applying these tips will help you improve. Don’t stop practicing and learning. Take your game to the next level, and remember what you’ve read in order to get started.