TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

Basketball is a sport that people have loved for years. If you want to become a great basketball player, you need to practice and take the game seriously. You will receive the advice you’re looking for in this article, so keep reading.

TIP! A bounce pass is essential to learn. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist.

Shooting has much to do with proper balance. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They are improvising. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

Always work on your layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

TIP! Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.

TIP! Quickness is a virtue in basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage.

It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Make them uncomfortable.

Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

Free Throw

TIP! Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player.

Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! To create a trapping machine in a standard 2-3 zone, have your two top defenders or your guards wait until point guard is about 10 feet from the time line or midcourt. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them.

If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it. Mastering this technique can give you a significant advantage.

TIP! When you dribble, keep your knees comfortably bent. The basketball is much harder to control if you stand tall and the opposing team can snatch it more easily.

If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.

TIP! To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer.

You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Force them away from their comfort zone. Execute your moves with aggression. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.

TIP! The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball.

Do not release your defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Don’t forget not to cross your feet, and you won’t be easy to get around.

Strength Training

TIP! Practice all types of shots while in different distances and angles. The first thing to do is to practice on your balance and your grip.

If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. It can help young kids get the exercise they need. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.

TIP! If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. Basketball uses a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to fuel your body with lean protein and whole grains.

When you use these tips, you will have more fun when playing basketball. Keep reading other resources so you can build up your game skills. Find out everything you can, and you can improve your game.