TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist.

It is about time you learned about basketball. You want to play a better game. Yet you do not know all there is to know about being a good basketball player. This article will show you how you can improve your skills. The following article will give you some great basketball tips that you don’t want to miss.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.

TIP! If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

Practice shooting free throws. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Hold the ball level to your face. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. Dribble on your way to school. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. If an injury is serious, go to see a physician.

TIP! Speed is everything in basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Scan the court looking for openings to make a basket.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball.

Practice passing while looking another way. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. This will give the person that you passed the ball to a chance to make their move before your opponent can correct from their mix up. If you can master this move, it can really work in your favor.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. Free throw shooting is best improved by lengthy sessions of repetitive practice. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.

TIP! A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent.

Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. As a result, your basketball game will significantly improve.

TIP! You’ll want to use the hand that you aren’t dribbling with as a barrier to protect the ball. 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.

Keep the activity below the knees if possible. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you. Bend a little so you can keep the ball closer to the ground and move through the court as quickly as possible.

TIP! The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Basketball requires a team.

Use the hand you aren’t dribbling with to keep the opponent away from the ball. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it. When dribbling, use it as a shield.

TIP! You should spend some time shooting from various places on the court. The first thing you should do is practice your grip and balance.

One way to force turnovers is to make your opponent change course. It does not matter if you are on offense or defense, being able to control where the opposing player goes is very important. That will ensure you control the game.

TIP! Foster a positive relationship with your team members regardless of whether you are playing or practicing. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well.

It’s time to take everything you’ve learned and use that enthusiasm to make improvements. It is wonderful to learn new things and have them work. Keep in mind the knowledge that has been shared, so you can start showing your skills. Basketball is a lot of fun, for players and fans.