TIP! Practice shooting free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

Basketball is a game that can be played in different places. There are many places where you can play ball including your local park and own backyard. To shoot hoops and play basketball better in general, focus reading the information below.

TIP! Play by yourself to practice. Many times you are unable to find people to play with.

Perfect your free throw. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate. Try using this technique in practicing. First, hold the ball just above your nose, about 8 inches from your face. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Then, shoot the ball using the trajectory you pictured.

TIP! Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket.

Do you want to fool the other team? How about the behind the back pass? To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. Doing this will trick your opponent.

TIP! Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better.

Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around. That’s OK! Solo games can help you immensely. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always find things to practice.

TIP! Never try to push through pain after an injury. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical.

Understand your opponent. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

TIP! For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot.

Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Never try though to get too fast that you can’t make any plays. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

Free Throw

TIP! An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.

TIP! Be sure you’re doing the right kinds of exercises off the court to help you on it. You could, for instance, work on your sprint so you can perform plays faster, while running on a longer distance will help you build your stamina.

Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. Perfecting this technique will help thwart the opposing team while you’re trying to advance the ball.

TIP! Work on taking shots from various on-court locations. Practice your grip and balance first.

Whether you play competitively or for fun, learning to be a better ball player is paramount. After reading this article, it is time to put these tips into practice. As you learn more, you play better.