TIP! Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard.

You can play basketball just about anywhere. You can play it at home, or at the local recreation center. If you love basketball, this content allows you to perfect your game.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. Bend your knees to control the arc of the ball.

TIP! Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level.

Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back.

Work on core strength when you work out. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Are you great at any one thing? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. When they do this, push yourself forward and take the chance to run by them.

TIP! A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game.

As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap. Simultaneously, forwards should block sprint toward wing players. You will see the opposing point guard make a bad pass that anyone on your team can steal.

TIP! Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

Try using your non-dribbling hand like a barrier between the ball and your opponent. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe. Simply elevate it slightly as you dribble.

TIP! You can strengthen you weaker hand by using it as much as possible, for instance open jars or even brush your teeth. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

For exercise, do a workout regimen that will enhance your skills and presence on the court. Work on sprints to make you faster and build your stamina. Resistance training or weightlifting builds better muscles for shots. Building your muscles and your confidence will help you game in many ways.

When someone misses a corner shot, you can bet the ball bounces across the court. Figure out where it will be and rebound the ball.

TIP! To see improvement in outside shooting skills, you must practice your shots hundreds of times daily from various points on the court. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot.

Whether you’re just playing for fun or on a team, if you become a better player you’re going to enjoy basketball quite a bit more. Follow the advice presented here to become the best basketball player you can. Learning more will make you a better player.