TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

There is no limit to the love that so many people feel for the sport of basketball. It combines skill, accuracy, excitement, and entertainment. Just as with anything else, becoming good at basketball takes dedication and practice. Using these tips will help you improve your basketball game.

TIP! Practice your pass catching often. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes.

Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Take you ball with you everywhere. Walking to your mailbox? Dribble the ball. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

TIP! Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Muscle is good, but you can have too much. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

Would you like to fool the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. This will trick your opponents.

Core Muscles

TIP! It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals. The core is what holds the body in balance and allows the limbs to work well. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.

Keep your eye on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Scan the court looking for openings to make a basket.

TIP! When dibbling the ball, bend your knees. Standing straight will make you see that it’s harder to handle and easier for the opposing players to take.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. In addition, moving one foot while working on setting a screen or pick will produce a foul.

TIP! Always set your three-point shooting practice goal at the official NBA distance. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer.

Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. This helps you avoid the foul call and also grab the rebound.

Strength Training

TIP! Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. You will dribble during different situations.

In order to improve your game, make sure you do plenty of strength training. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. When they become teenagers, they can start using weights to increase their exercise. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. Basketball involves playing on a team.

You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. Just make sure it is kept slightly up while you use the other hand to dribble.

A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. Anticipate where the ball lands and grab the rebound.

TIP! You should be have ways to alter the path your opponent is planning on taking. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical.

Learn how make your opponent alter their path. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical. Doing so makes it easier for you to navigate the court without interference from the other player.

Double Dribbling

TIP! Passing should be an essential element in your game. Effective passing can trip up the opposing team.

Double dribbling is not a habit you want to get into. You get called for double dribbling if you stop your dribble and then begin again. Once you stop dribbling, you choices are to either shoot or pass the ball. You can’t just start dribbling again. That is also referred to as a turnover, and the ref will call it for your opponent.

TIP! Ask yourself what your weaknesses are. It is vital that you admit them to yourself.

As you come off a rebound, come down with legs that are spread out wider than the broadness of your shoulders. This will increase your balance. Hold the ball tightly against your chest with one hand on each side. Watch your elbows; a foul will be called if you hit a member of the other team.

TIP! Even more than other popular team sports, good communication is vital in basketball. You develop this skill on the practice court.

When you have the best knowledge under your belt while you are playing basketball, you will enjoy the game more. Find other article and blogs to read to continue learning. Take in all the good ideas that you can find, and make your game better.