TIP! Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard.

Whether you want to shoot hoops like a pro or cheer from the bleachers, you need basketball information in order to enjoy the game. Just starting out? Don’t get upset. Basketball is so much fun and easy to learn about. These tips will give you a good start in becoming a skilled player.

TIP! Free throws have a huge mental element to them. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

Bounce Passes

TIP! Interested in tricking your opponents? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass.

Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. 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! During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.

TIP! Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. To get an advantage over an opposing player, you must have the quickest reactions.

Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Do you see anything you could do differently? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.

TIP! A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Take them out of their own comfort zone.

Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Both skills rely on some solid footwork.

TIP! A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.

TIP! To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Your shoulders should always be square towards the basket. Try to line your dominant shoulder up with the rim.

TIP! The only way to gain skill in outside shooting is to make over 100 practice shots every day from various spots on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.

TIP! Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Sprinting will help you develop speed, while running long distances will help you develop great stamina.

To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot. The guard is sure to anticipate a slow-down and will then straighten their own body. Like them, push and run past them.

TIP! Make sure you practice shooting all over the court. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice.

In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Young children that play can even benefit from strengthening arms and legs through proper exercise. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! If someone is shooting from a corner of the court, a missed shot will likely bounce right over the net and to the other side of the court. It may bounce back right into the opponent’s hands.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. They should then trap the point guard. Simultaneously, make sure you own forwards are free to sprint to the opposing players who are out on the wings. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.

TIP! Take control of opposing players’ movements. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning.

To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. All the other three point lines are much closer than the NBA line. Hitting from the NBA range makes you get deeper-ranged looks than the defense will be guarding you at.

TIP! If you have to guard a taller or bigger player, concentrate on remaining between that person and the player with the ball. This prevents them from becoming open for passes and makes sure that they do not get the ball, which they would be have the ability to shoot over you.

That was a lot easier than you thought it would be, wasn’t it! You’ve learned a couple basic tricks, so now you can get out there and start enjoying the game. Use the information above to help you become a better ball player.