TIP! Learn the mechanics of a free throw. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult.

Whether you want to shoot hoops like a pro or cheer from the bleachers, you need basketball information in order to enjoy the game. Lacking in the fundamentals? Don’t let it worry you. Basketball can be pretty easy to learn the basics. This article will give you tips whether you’re watching or playing.

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

Balance is important when shooting. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique. This is simply an improvised move. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

Bounce Pass

TIP! To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. Be a better teammate by anticipating a bad pass to make sure it doesn’t get into the opponents hands.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

TIP! Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Trick them using a back pass. Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Move the ball so that it is behind you. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This will confuse the opposition.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times. Don’t let your palms touch it. Only your fingers should touch it during a pass or when dribbling.

TIP! To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.

TIP! One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. The international line is much closer.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Do not let them choose the plays to make. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Try to interrupt their game plan by taking charge and controlling the tempo.

TIP! Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game.

When you have the chance, take charge. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. Push forward and blast by them.

TIP! Try different shots from different places on the basketball court. Start by practicing grip and balance.

A powerful play called the trapping machine, is to have your guards wait for the point guard to come just past midcourt. This is when they should trap him. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. This can cause the point guard to pass the ball in a way that your teammates can easily steal.

TIP! Avoid double dribbling. This happens when you cease dribbling once and begin again within a few seconds.

As you can see basketball really is a fun game, right? Now that you know some things about basketball, you can see how much fun the sport is. Use the knowledge you have gained from this article to enjoy the sport even more.