TIP! Practice shooting free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult.

The excitement and fast pace of basketball makes it a loved sport. However, there are certain things you must know if you are going to play. The tips below will help you master your technique.

TIP! Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot.

Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. Hold the ball level with your head. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. Then, use the trajectory you just visualized and shoot the ball.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members.

Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try doing what is known as a back pass.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. That is not a problem. There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. Once there, you have to firmly claim the area as your own. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.

TIP! Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.

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.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

TIP! When you are defending, keep your stance low. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something.

Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. They can then trap the point guard.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

Basketball is an amazing sport to enjoy. To play better, you need what you have learned here. Use the information above to become a great basketball player.