TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. It seems easy to do but surely isn’t.

Basketball is a great sport and it’s easy to learn about. The basic strategies of the game can be acquired in a few minutes time. Of course, if you desire to be more than a casual player, there’s a lot you can learn from this article.

TIP! Always work on your layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups.

Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. Defense is what stands between you and a win. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

Practice shooting free throws. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality. Practice frequently using these techniques. Start by holding your ball before your face. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. When you shoot, keep the visualized trajectory in mind.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To start, grab the ball using your good hand.

Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball.

Never practice only against the zone. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! Quality footwork will help you get better shots. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot.

Don’t dribble during your drills. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

Core Muscles

TIP! Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

TIP! Speed is everything in basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly.

To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work.

Never play through an injury on the court. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! You should always bend your knees while dribbling. It makes it much easier to control the ball while dribbling as opposed to standing straight up, which makes controlling the ball much harder.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! When dribbling, use your other arm to create a wall between you and your opponent. You don’t need to be shoving the opponents, but you’re able to keep them away by using the arm that isn’t dribbling as a separator.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

TIP! To keep your opponent on their toes, keep your dribbling steady and regular, then surprise them. By mixing up your regular dribbling rhythm with a faster pace, you will throw your opponent off guard, perhaps leaving you with an open shot or pass.

Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. If you can master this move, it will give you quite the advantage when you are on the court.

TIP! It is important to take your diet seriously if you want to be the best player you can be. In order to be skilled at basketball you need to load up on carbs to give yourself plenty of energy.

You may have just learned how to play basketball right before you read the above information. Perhaps the last time you played was when you were a child. In either case, the information in the preceding article can help you become a better player. Use this advice during your next game.