TIP! When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing.

Basketball has been around for a long time, since Dr. Since that time it has gained steadily in popularity around the world. Since that time, it has turned into one of modern society’s most beloved sports. From Dr. Basketball has made many people famous, such as Michael Jordan. How do they do it? Reading these tips is an excellent start.

TIP! 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.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard. Practice this technique regularly. Hold the ball level with your head. Then, look at the ball and visualize it going in the basket. Then shoot! Shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.

TIP! Perfect your layup technique. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

Practice your layups a lot. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

Core Muscles

TIP! Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

TIP! Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter.

Build hand signals so passes are more successful. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? The back pass is just the thing! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. Pull it behind you.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging.

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. Don’t dilly dally, but do complete your ritual.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. They will probably notice the things you do best.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs. This is a tricky move, but it will provide you a good advantage when you play.

TIP! Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. It can be very confusing to your opponents. If you do it right, the look makes members of the opposing team look in the wrong direction, which gives the person to whom you passed the ball plenty of time to make the shot. This play can be very powerful.

TIP! Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot. That will build your balance and help you stay in the right position.

TIP! Keep all motion below the knees if possible. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen.

Practice drills that force you to get the basketball to the other end of the court in less than 5 dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen. Being able to do this lets you lead your team on a fast break and gets you to the rim that much quicker.

TIP! Use your non-dribbling hand as a barrier between your opponent and the ball. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe.

You need to take charge when the opportunity presents itself. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand. This can hurt the other team’s players psychologically and can also be powerful when you’re creating plays.

TIP! Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. You are sure to understand that it takes teamwork to play basketball.

All you need to have a basketball game is a basketball goal and a few friends. To play your best, you must have good knowledge. What you learned here is just the beginning, and now you need to study more and practice well to hopefully one day become a great.