TIP! Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move.

Whether you are going to try out for the team or you are just going to ride the bleachers, there’s stuff you need to know about basketball. Just starting out? Don’t be sad! Basketball is a very simple game that is very enjoyable. You can find some useful information that will enhance your game as a player and a spectator.

Free Throw

TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all.

Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.

TIP! Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.

TIP! When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong.

Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If your practice hasn’t included this type of scenario, you might lose control rapidly.

TIP! If you’re quick on the basketball court, you have a built in advantage. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly.

Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This should make it easy to trick the other team.

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around. That is okay. Solo games can help you immensely. You can practice free throws or pivot moves. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! It can help you when you pass through your legs. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This will easily confuse your opponents.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.

TIP! Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball.

Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge. Being able to do this lets you lead your team on a fast break and gets you to the rim that much quicker.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed.

Ensure that you have good court awareness. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way. Your peripheral vision needs to be as strong as possible. By seeing the court well, you can anticipate defensive moves as well as what all your teammates are doing. Good vision is vital to basketball success.

TIP! When you dribble, keep your knees comfortably bent. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal.

Was that as difficult as you thought it would be? Now that you’ve learned a few things, it’s time to enjoy the sport and practice. Use these tips to master the game and have more fun.