TIP! Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do.

In order to succeed at basketball and attain your goals, you must be a good practice player. However, why practice if you are not doing it properly to start? The helpful hints in the following text will help you get that ball into the basket time and time again.

TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

You should practice your crossovers a lot. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

TIP! Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

Bounce Pass

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Trick them using a back pass.

A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Look at how you did and judge yourself.

Practice using different types of defenses. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

TIP! Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone.

Do you want to fool the other team? How about the behind the back pass? Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will trick your opponents.

TIP! Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.

TIP! Take charges whenever possible. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team.

If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! Do not release your defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! Strength training can be a major help in basketball. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player.

If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. One area of focus should be to keep your shoulders aligned straight toward the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.

TIP! Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This will aid you as you jump and make it easier to react to the front man.

Practice passing while looking another way. This will confuse your opponents. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Don’t let them get comfortable. Stay aggressive. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. Otherwise, the opponents will win all the shots and dominate you. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.

Strength Training

TIP! Practice a variety of shots from different locations on the court. Initially, you need to practice both your grip and your balance.

To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. It’s important to continue strength training when you are an adult to maintain your performance.

TIP! You have to learn to get your opponent to alter their path. Regardless of whether you play defense or offense, the ability to control the other team creates a significant advantage.

The tips from this article will help you play better basketball, no matter your skill level. Trying even a single new thing can greatly enhance your abilities. You can improve your game in every way, just like professional.