TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

You may be wondering what you must know to play basketball well. What can be done to help me to become better at the game while knowing how to appreciate what’s going on? This article will give you a solid basketball information base, so by reading it you’ll see spectacular results the next time you’re on the court.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

Figure out how to perfect your free throw. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. When practicing your free throw, concentrate on where you want the ball to go when it leaves your hands. Start with the ball held out from your face. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Bend your knees to control the arc of the ball.

TIP! Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. Bring your ball along when you go out. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. Those who do this are improvising. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.

TIP! You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on 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. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You must train both your body and your mind.

Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.

TIP! Don’t dribble during your drills. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes.

Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

Core Muscles

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. The core links together all of the extremities and if it isn’t strong, they will be dealing with a limited athletic ability. Building strong core muscles will allow your to jump higher, run faster and maintain your balance.

TIP! If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Avoid putting your palm on the ball, too. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Don’t try playing fast until you can. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.

TIP! Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. It can be very confusing to your opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. This play can be very powerful.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport.

Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.

TIP! When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.

TIP! Diet is essential when it comes to playing ball. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, along with some fats and protein.

Always bend the knees while dribbling. When you are rigid, the ball is not only hard to control, it is also an easier target for a rival to steal. You will have better ball control with bent knees.

TIP! It is necessary to be capable of altering the path of your opponent. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning.

Are you a little more informed now? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Can you handle becoming an even better basketball player as a result of reading this article? Get out there and begin practicing while putting these tips into practice so you can reap the rewards.