TIP! It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

People in many different countries love to watch and play basketball. You can play casually in pick-up games on most street corners or work hard to build a professional career if you get started young and have a natural gift. To learn about how to play basketball better, read on.

TIP! It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

Pay attention to what you are good at. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? The back pass is perfect for this. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

Core Muscles

TIP! If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

TIP! Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. You should know if a player is right or left handed. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

TIP! During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable.

If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling.

You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Force them into an uncomfortable zone. Be aggressive in the moves you execute. Which plays are made shouldn’t be up to them. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. You should make the initial move and throw them off.

TIP! To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

These tips should give a better idea of how to improve your game. It isn’t hard, but it does take some know-how and effort. Once you start playing you probably will start to do so regularly. You will probably find that playing basketball is a lot of fun.