It’s difficult to overestimate just how many fans of basketball there are around the world. The best way to really enjoy basketball, either as a player or as an enthusiastic spectator, is to understand it completely. Continue on and get educated on basketball.

TIP! Learn the best way to make your free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Constantly practice layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

Practice your bounce pass. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the 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.

Free Throw

Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Go to actual games or watch on TV.

Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Do they feel you are really good at something? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.

Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.

TIP! Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.

TIP! If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. A foul will be called if your feet move while you attempt to screen other players.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? You can use this information to improve your game. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

Basketball is one of the best loved sports in the US, and it is played in many other countries as well. However, if knowledge of the game is lacking, newbies might feel overwhelmed. After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of the great sport of basketball.