TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult.

Basketball knows not of gender discrimination. Anyone anywhere can enjoy basketball. Bring your loved ones together and show off what you’ve learned. What moves you say? Keep reading here if you wish to figure out what you can do.

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

Correct dribbling is key. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Always dribble to your side, not your front. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.

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. 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. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.

TIP! Avoid errant passes by using hand signals. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket.

Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. When you know some of the other player’s moves, you’ll have a leg up during a game as you’ll be able to predict what he is going to do. A person that knows about defending makes a strong defender.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles.

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? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This should befuddle your opponent. 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’s quite a play when done properly.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one.

Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

TIP! If you want to put pressure on the offense, you need to change the pace of things. When you are getting closer to the net, put your foot out and straighten up your body.

Create a routine to improve your free throw success. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. Practice and repetition are the only way to become a consistent free thrower. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

TIP! If you are in a defensive position, keep yourself low. This helps you jump fast and react quickly.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Make them uncomfortable. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Which plays are made shouldn’t be up to them. This will give your opponent the advantage. Rather, you move first so that you interfere with their rhythm.

TIP! If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control.

Now you can show off your skills the next time you play. Perhaps you have even learned a few new secrets. Keep in mind that basketball should be fun at all times. Whatever the case may be, it is fun to win the game.