TIP! Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level.

The game of basketball has been enjoyed for decades, giving people the ability to have some fun while competing on the court. Practice drills improve your overall physical abilities while giving you specific skills to concentrate on. If you want to become a better player, you are sure to appreciate these tips.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Basketball games are often won by the defense. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Try dribbling even when walking to a store. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

TIP! Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? The back pass is perfect for this. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

Core Muscles

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs. Core muscles are the connectors between arms and legs. If the core muscles are weak, basketball performance will suffer. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

TIP! Speed is everything in basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game.

One of the most vital attributes one needs to play basketball is quickness. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. In order to be fast, you must constantly do drills. Do not try playing faster than you can. Doing so can cause the game to spin out of control as turnovers and faulty passes are made.

TIP! You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball.

Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. You can actually force yourself to utilize your weak hand by tying your other hand behind you. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. When you are getting closer to the net, put your foot out and straighten up your body.

If you know some good techniques for practicing basketball, then you’ll find playing easier and more fun. Keep reading other resources so you can build up your game skills. Absorb all the advice you find and work on your game.