People worldwide love basketball. You can enjoy a good pickup game or the challenges of playing on a real team. Read this article for great basketball advice.

TIP! Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. There are other variables to consider though.

Free Throw

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

TIP! If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. In order to be fast, you must constantly do drills. Make sure you never play past the speed you are comfortable. You will not be able to control your moves if you play faster than you are able to.

TIP! Do drills where you try and get the basketball up a full-court in five dribbles or less. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides.

Where are your feet? If you slide onto the baseline, you will lose the ball for being out of bounds. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.

Free Throws

TIP! Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling.

Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. Practice makes perfect when shooting free throws. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. You never want to push the opponent with your hand, but it is possible to use your free hand to secure the ball.

Be slick with your feet so you can get a rebound from a teammate. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. Then you gain the ball without the foul.

TIP! It is necessary for you to change the path of your opponent. Whether you are playing defense or offense, you must be capable of controlling the directions of opposing players.

These tips should give a better idea of how to improve your game. It’s no cake walk, but basketball isn’t rocket science, either. You can succeed with information and dedication. After taking the court and actually playing, you will most likely want to get out there on a regular basis. And be sure to have some fun out on the court as well.