TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy.

Basketball came about because of Dr. In 1891, Dr. James Naismith invented basketball. Ever since it was invented, it has been popular. Celebrities such as Doctor J and Magic Johnson have made the game fun for everyone. It then went from him to Magic Johnson to make the best players into celebrities. Keep reading if you’re looking to learn a few things about the sport.

TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the shops. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.

TIP! If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. They are going with the flow when this occurs. You need to maintain good balance while shooting, which is sure to produce greater consistency.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? The back pass is just the thing! Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Next, pull the ball behind your back.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. If your teammate misses your signal, then they may miss the ball as well and the other team could gain possession.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Pay attention to open areas for passes, too.

TIP! If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail.

You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. You have to be ready to move fast and change directions on a dime.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up.

To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

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). The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap.

Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. This will help you accomplish great layups on those fast breaks.

TIP! Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations.

Accept a charge when you can. Taking charges gives you an opportunity to get defensive stops, get the ball and lay the groundwork for fouls. Perfecting this play can really give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Each team has multiple players on it.

Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will do the same. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.

Strength Training

TIP! Make your opponent change their path. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical.

Strength training can be a major help in basketball. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. As an adult, a player must continue strength training for optimum performance.

TIP! When you’re getting down after catching the rebound, you should come down with spread out legs so that they’re wider than your shoulders to get good balance. Make sure that your hands are on both sides of the basketball, and that you hold it close to your chest.

Don’t cease dribbling until you get ready to shoot or pass. If you stop dribbling, then you don’t really have that many options. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. That will allow your opponents to double team you and potentially steal the ball.

TIP! Part of being a great basketball player is knowing when it is time to give the ball to someone else. It is better to be part of a winning shot than to be the sole player in a shot that cost the game.

Anticipate where the ball will go. For instance, corner shots usually bounce off the rim, ending up on the opposite side. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.

TIP! One of thing you should learn if you are going to be a good basketball player is how to pivot. Practice your footwork so that you can pivot without thinking about it, and avoid getting tangled in your feet or disoriented.

As you come off a rebound, come down with legs that are spread out wider than the broadness of your shoulders. This will increase your balance. Place your hands on both sides of the basketball while holding it close against your chest. Keep your elbows under control so you don’t cause a foul by hitting someone.

TIP! Dribble as hard as you can when practicing. When you hard bounce the ball, it’ll move fast and stay protected.

All you need is a hoop that is 10 feet high, a long court and ten team members to make a team. To play your best, you must have good knowledge. The tips here are a good place to begin, but keep learning all that you can.