TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do.

Basketball has really taken off in popularity. Whether you’re watching it on TV, playing it with friends, or just playing it on your own in the driveway, basketball isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Players want to become better, of course. These tips will help you become a better player.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands.

While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Dribble on your way to school. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

TIP! There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will.

Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. You might see a decrease in your goal percentages if your biceps become too large.

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with.

To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.

Free Throws

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

TIP! Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This keeps it under control.

If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

TIP! You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball.

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

TIP! Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team.

To help practice three-point shooting you should practice shooting at the NBA distance. The standard line and college lines are much closer. If you can score from NBA range, you’ll enjoy open looks at deeper range than your opposition.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot.

There are a lot of ways to make your game better. It is important to understand the fundamentals of the game if you plan on being a great player. Practice is essential to mastering any of these, so be sure that you’ve got access to a hoop and try to play basketball when you can. You can build better basketball skills no matter who you practice with.