TIP! 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. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games.

Are you a fan of basketball but you’re not very educated about it? Don’t worry, you are not alone! Most basketball fans wonder about the techniques the pros use to play so well. Keep reading to discover great tips that the pros use.

TIP! Learn proper dribbling. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

Keep your head up when you dribble. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take the ball with you wherever you go. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

Free Throw

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it.

Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

Work on pass catches. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. So you should do the team a favor by knowing how to take in any kind of a pass that comes from someone.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss.

It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! Where are your feet? If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.

TIP! To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements.

You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. If you’re looking around the whole court and not only at the ball, you’ll be able to look to the defense to see if pressure is coming and you can see who’s open.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

Now that you have read this article, you probably know a lot more about basketball than you did before. Now that you possess some new tips on the subject, you should feel prepared to play with greater confidence. Therefore, take this advice with you, go out and play a game!

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