TIP! When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling.

Basketball is incredibly popular. Whether is it the watching the championships, playing on a team of your own or just shooting hoops in your own yard, basketball is definitely here to stay. If you enjoy playing, imagine how much more fun it would be if you were a better player. The following article has excellent tips that will show you how to better your basketball playing skills.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot.

It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Victory requires the ability to play defense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

Bounce Pass

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play.

In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles.

Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? How about the behind the back pass? To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. It’s a great way to trick your opposing team.

TIP! To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. These skills require solid footwork.

TIP! Dribble with force to prevent the ball from being stolen. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

TIP! Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.

TIP! Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player.

Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. Being aware of your body movements can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). They should then trap the point guard.

Bettering your game can be done in many ways. Most of what you learned simply requires a lot of repetitive practice to hone your skills. It’s important to practice to become the best you can be at basketball. No matter if you are practicing with teammates or shooting in your own driveway, the work you do is sure to pay dividends.