TIP! Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player.

Basketball has been around for decades; it is both fun and invigorating. If you want to become a great basketball player, you need to practice and take the game seriously. When you continue reading, you will learn some priceless information.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Use the following directions to perfect free throws and practice often. Hold the ball level with your head. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.

TIP! Practice your bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.

TIP! Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

Core Muscles

TIP! When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. A strong core helps you jump higher and run faster.

TIP! It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. You can stay away from doing this if you use a hand signal to see if someone is ready for a pass. If the signal is not used, then the pass should not be made to that player.

TIP! You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable.

Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

TIP! Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Just don’t play any faster than you’re able to. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and excessive turnovers.

TIP! Always stay low when playing defensively. You will become faster and react faster.

Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides. This may mean you can get your team some numbers for a period of time, or you can do easy lay-ups.

TIP! Create a team environment that is tough on the court and off of it. A team that works together is an unstoppable team.

Make sure your vision is good. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes. Develop your peripheral vision on the court. If you scan the entire court, not just the location of the ball, it is possible to anticipate defense moves in advance and see which teammates are open.

TIP! Landing with a wide stance after catching a rebound will make it easier for you to retain you balance. Keep your hands on either side of the ball and hold it tight to your chest.

With the right tips used when playing, the game will become more fun and simpler. Read the article carefully and head out onto the court to get all of the practice you need before starting your next game. Keep all this information in mind to become better.