TIP! Figure out how to perfect your free throw. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear.

To become a star in basketball, you need a lot of practice and a good work ethic. Whether you’re playing for fun or for a team, you probably would like to be a good player. Well here are some great ways to develop those skills and learn new ones.

TIP! A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play. Offense gets attention and praise, but when you lack good defense, any team can lose.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs.

Practice your bounce pass. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

TIP! When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. Each player has their strengths and you can learn a lot from each one.

TIP! If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are.

Need to dupe the opposition? Try a pass back! Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Get them outside their comfort zone.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! To avoid having the ball stolen, 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.

When you are passing the ball, get used to looking in the other direction. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. It’s a powerful play when done right.

TIP! Make sure that you can see clearly. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply.

Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul.

Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.

TIP! Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball. Perfecting this play can really give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Stay low when playing defense. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you.

To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will start to appear in the game of basketball, too.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you.

Use the NBA three point line when practicing your shots. All other distance lines, high school, college and International, are not as far. If you can score from NBA range, you’ll enjoy open looks at deeper range than your opposition.

TIP! When you dribble, keep your knees comfortably bent. If your knees are not bent, the basketball will be more difficult to control.

To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. To improve further, work on fast dribbling just before shooting. Look at the target when you’re airborne and not a moment before. This way, you will be ready for the rapid pace of game play.

TIP! To better three-point shooting, try using NBA distance as the minimum. All the other lines are closer.

Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. If you stop dribbling, then you don’t really have that many options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you have to pivot on the back foot. That will allow your opponents to double team you and potentially steal the ball.

TIP! One way to misdirect your opponent is to dribble in a rhythm, then break that rhythm. Consistent dribbling followed by fast dribbling can confuse your opponent and put you in place for a shot.

Now that you are done reading this article, it’s time to put these tips into practice. Practicing what you already know and implementing what you don’t know will enhance your basketball playing abilities. Follow the 3-step plan for ensured success.