Dedication is key to becoming a better basketball player. Even when you’re playing for fun, you probably wish to be the best at it. This article is sure to offer you advice on how you can improve your game.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

Free throws have a huge mental element to them. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. 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. Don’t worry! There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice free throws and layups. You can always find things to work on.

TIP! Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Don’t let them get comfortable. Your defensive moves must be aggressive and executed properly. Never let them control the game plays. If you allow this, they will run over you. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.

To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. An exercise to help develop your basketball skills is to perform wrist curls. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Learning how to pass the ball ensures that you can get the ball safely to a teammate who has better position on the court.

TIP! In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions.

Now, you need to get going and use the advice and guidance found in this piece. You will begin to see a little improvement at a time. This three-step plan leads you to success.