TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket.

It is about time you learned about basketball. You love to play, and you are passionate about the sport. Nonetheless, you can’t know everything there is to know. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn. Perhaps you can learn a few things from this piece. Continue reading to determine how you can get even more enjoyment from the sport of basketball.

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks 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.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. This gives you the best ball control. Be sure to dribble beside your body instead of in front of yourself. Bounce the ball at a level even with your waist. Look up, not down.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try a pass back! To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Then, put the ball around your back.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Practice often using the following technique. Place the ball right in line with your face. Then, look at the ball and visualize it going in the basket. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

TIP! Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful.

If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. It should be done quickly. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

TIP! Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately. Don’t get discouraged if it is hard initially’ because the gains you will make are sure to be worthwhile.

TIP! If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.

TIP! Be sure that your site is good. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. No problem! You are able to do a lot with solo games. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other.

Never play through an injury on the court. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! Strength training can be a major help in basketball. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with 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 person that knows about defending makes a strong defender.

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him.

One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

TIP! Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position. Stay low and make it hard for opponents to get around you.

TIP! Continuously dribble the ball until you have an opening to pass it to one of your teammates, or you are prepared to shoot. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options.

Using these tips can bring renewed energy and excitement to your game. Learning new tips is fun, especially when you see how well they work for you. Show off your new abilities with the tips you just learned. Keep playing and enjoy the game of basketball!