For decades, people have adored basketball. However, there are subtle nuances to the game that you may not be aware of. People of every skill level can benefit from the tips in this article.

TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Stay calm and collected to increase your free throw percentage.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. It is important that you see how other people play the game. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. When shooting or passing the ball, only your fingers should contact the ball.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. To start, grab the ball using your good hand.

Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Though, you should never attempt to a play faster game than your abilities permit. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.

TIP! You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Try making the initial move and interrupt their rhythm.

TIP! Basketball players must be fast. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.

Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. When they become an adult, weight training becomes mandatory.

To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. This is when they should trap him. While this is happening, your forwards must sprint toward players in the wings. The point guard will then probably throw an easily interceptable pass.

TIP! Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling.

There isn’t any doubt that people from all over the world and from most age groups enjoy basketball. To truly enjoy the game, a player must possess both skill and knowledge. Keep what you’ve just read in mind, and grow your love for the game.