TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy.

It’s important to do research about basketball before you start playing. Don’t think you can become the greatest basketball player ever without studying the sport and practicing your skills. Read on to find expert advice on improving your game.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important.

Make sure to dribble properly. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court.

Practice your layup shot often. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds.

Make sure to practice catching passes. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? You can use this information to improve your game.

Practice playing by yourself. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful. That’s fine. You can still practice when playing alone. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. You can always work on something.

TIP! Practice passing while looking another way. You can really confuse your opponents this way.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. The stronger your core, the higher you will jump.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball.

Avoid errant passes by using hand signals. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. If the person doesn’t make a signal the person shouldn’t get passed to.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Is there something that you excel at? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

TIP! You’ll want to use the hand that you aren’t dribbling with as a barrier to protect the ball. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Basketball is played by a team.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.

TIP! If you want to perform your best in basketball, you need to eat well. Complex carbohydrates and protein will give you energy to ensure that you get through a long, fast-paced basketball game.

Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents. When you do it right, the opponents are going to think you’re moving in one direction. That way, the person you’ve given the ball to has a bit of time to look at the net to taking a shot. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! As you come down from catching a rebound, land with your legs spread wider than the span of your shoulders to increase your balance. Keep your hands along any side and hold it up to your chest tightly.

When you master a skill, you will beam with pride in your accomplishments. Reading and learning as much as you can and transferring that knowledge onto the court will better your game. This will allow you to win the games you play, along with making sure your teammates are impressed.