TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

The sport of basketball is beloved by men and women of all ages. Many people enjoy watching the NBA on television, playing on their own teams, or just shooting some hoops at the park. Naturally, if you play, you want to excel at the game. Practicing and learning new skills can help you become a star player.

TIP! If your kid is going to try out for the basketball team, they should be properly training their core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Don’t look down, always look up.

TIP! Build a consistent routine for your free throws. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off.

Get good at making free throws. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. Hold the ball level to your face. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. When you shoot, keep the visualized trajectory in mind.

TIP! To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. Carry your basketball everywhere. Dribble while walking to the store. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

Bounce Pass

TIP! To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

You have to know how to bounce pass properly. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Always set your three-point shooting practice goal at the official NBA distance. The established International standard line is closer, as are the high school and college lines.

Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.

TIP! Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. Games require you to be able to dribble under all types of conditions.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

Defensive Game

TIP! In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. Basketball is not an individual sport.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. Your defensive game will be a lot more effective after you get to know your opponent. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! Keep dribbling in the same rhythm, until finally you would like to throw the person guarding you off guard. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage.

You need to be quick to play good basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. You have to be steady as you play quickly. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.

TIP! If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! The position you take just before and just after getting a rebound will play a large role in whether you can retain possession. When you jump, use both legs to give yourself a boost.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

Free Throws

TIP! Understand when a pass is a better choice or when a shot is open. You are better off cooperating to make a winning shot instead of hot-dogging and making a bad shot that loses the game.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

TIP! The best way to get through a zone defense is to penetrate with a controlled dribble. Passing a defensive player and moving into the lane is sure to prompt a defensive shift or even a collapse.

There are lots of ways to become a better basketball player. Most of what you learned simply requires a lot of repetitive practice to hone your skills. Practice is essential when it comes to just about anything, so you must be sure to have constant access to a hoop. No matter if you’re practicing with a group of friends or your team, the more chances you get to perfect your skills, the better you become as a player.