People all over the world derive countless hours of enjoyment from watching and playing basketball. Most people, though, can stand to learn more about basketball. The following tips can help basketball players at every level.

TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling.

To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

Practice your layup shot often. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. It’s critical to practice running towards the basket at full speed and following up with a good jump and smooth shot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes. The accuracy of passes will greatly improve over time and the drill will become a lot easier.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

TIP! There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

Free Throw

TIP! Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage.

If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. While this does happen on occasion, you should be moving in order to execute the play.

You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot. When you are off the ground, keep your eye on the basket, but not earlier. This will mimic game conditions and help improve your accuracy.

TIP! Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in.

Keep dribbling in a particular rhythm until you think it’s time to trick the opponent. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage. Even a slight change in the sound the ball makes when you dribble can throw another player off balance.

Double Dribbling

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it.

Double dribbling is considered a foul. If you start, stop and then begin again, that is double dribbling. Once you stop dribbling, you must shoot or pass the ball. You can’t start dribbling again. Double dribbling means your team turns the ball over to the other team.

After catching a ball that has rebounded, land on your feet, spreading legs wider than your shoulders in order to get greater balance. Hold the ball next to your chest with your hand on either side. Make sure you don’t hit anyone else with your elbows.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes.

You can enjoy both watching basketball and playing it. If you want to enjoy the whole world of basketball, continue to learn all you can. Hopefully, everything that you read here brought you much close to helping you understand this sport.