TIP! Free throws are mental as well as physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

Basketball is a great sport beloved by many people around the world. The sport is easy to love, but mastering it is not quite so simple. Basketball can be enjoyed by everyone. The following tips will help you learn more about the sport in general.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand.

You should practice your crossovers a lot. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This is a good way to trick your opponents.

TIP! If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot.

Work on core strength when you work out. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

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. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

TIP! Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot.

Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.

TIP! A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! Do drills where you try and get the basketball up a full-court in five dribbles or less. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length.

Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent. It can be a momentum changer by making the other team think twice about dribbling the ball into the lane.

TIP! Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes.

When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. This will help you be quicker on the jump and react to the man in front of you easier. Always stay in the proper stance on defense. When you need to block, quickly get back into your stance.

TIP! Never pass up a charging opportunity. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back.

Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him. It also lets you have forwards on blocks sprint to the wing players. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up.

If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, you need to use it to brush your teeth and to do other simple tasks. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you. Your basketball skills will benefit.

TIP! An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. To improve even more, practice preparing for a shot quickly after dribbling the ball.

Do you want to show off your skills? Utilizing the tips in this article can make you a better overall player. Get energized, motivated, and excited and then get out on the court! Soon, you are going to notice the improvement in your skills thanks to utilizing the advice that has been told to you.