TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting.

What should you learn about basketball? What will help me enjoy the game more and play better? Reading these tips gives a quality information base when it comes to playing basketball.

TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

Learn the best way to make your free throws. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Practice regularly and employe the technique that follows. Start with the ball positioned right before your face. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Then, shoot the ball using the trajectory you pictured.

TIP! To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team.

Proper balance is essential 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. They have just improvised, is all. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! Never practice only against the zone. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. There are two important points you must remember.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

TIP! You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. You should try a back pass. To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. This should make it easy to trick the other team.

Core Muscles

TIP! You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better.

If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

TIP! To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. All the other lines are closer.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

TIP! To better your outdoor shooting skills, take about a hundred shots every day from various places on the court. To get even better, try to practice dribbling and quickly shooting.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited.

Do you understand what it takes now? You can now take the court with confidence. Are you set to up your basketball skills? Implement these tips to help you reap great rewards.