No one is born to be a star player. You shouldn’t think you can play basketball without learning about the game, either. Use the tips from this article to be able to play the greatest game that you can.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the shops. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They improvise to do that. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. Practice with each type of defense so you will know what to expect.

When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. That should not matter. You can still practice when playing alone. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. There is always something to practice.

TIP! Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet.

Basketball is similar to fixing a car alone where you have an unmatched sense of pride. Reading and learning as much as you can and transferring that knowledge onto the court will better your game. Not only will you beginning more, but you’ll show your teammates how good you are.