TIP! Practice shooting free throws. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

Surely you know that the greatest basketball stars had to practice and develop their skills. You still want to be a good player even if you’re playing just for fun. This article will help you, and you can make improvements on the court.

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling.

Practice shooting free throws. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear. You should practice as often as possible with this technique. Start by holding your ball before your face. Then, look at the ball and visualize it going in the basket. Next, take your shot seeing the ball move in the trajectory you envisaged for it.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best.

Look forward when dribbling. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. You must train both your body and your mind. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

TIP! As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

Want to trick the other team? Try a pass back! Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Now, pull it behind your back. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. When you stay consistent, you get better success.

Should you receive an injury during the course of the game, never try to continue playing despite the pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.

TIP! 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. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.

TIP! To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. All other distance lines, high school, college and International, are not as far.

You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.

TIP! One way to misdirect your opponent is to dribble in a rhythm, then break that rhythm. Smooth dribbling interrupted by a quicker dribble is a great way to catch the opponent off-guard and go in for a shot.

Use the techniques and tips from this article to become a great basketball player. Over time you will see progress if you stick to a plan, practice regularly and never give up. This will lead you on your way to success!