TIP! Learn the best way to make your free throws. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult.

The first time playing basketball can be a surprising treat! You probably learned how to dribble the ball and make a shot. After playing for awhile, you may feel you have learned all you need to know. The information below will teach you to be a better ball player.

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

Find out how to make free throw shots. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy. Use the following directions to perfect free throws and practice often. First, hold the ball just above your nose, about 8 inches from your face. Use visualization to imagine the goal occurring. Next, shoot with just the trajectory you saw.

TIP! A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.

You should practice pass catching regularly. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. You can do the rest of your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Try doing a back pass! Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.

TIP! If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.

TIP! Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. Are you great at any one thing? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the hoop. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This keeps it under control.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.

TIP! To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Force them into an uncomfortable zone.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This will easily confuse your opponents. The look will cause your guard to turn away. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot.

Strength training can improve your game. In addition, stamina is important to the game, too. Even little kids who play basketball will develop more overall body strength. As the teenage years approach, weights can be used for even greater impact. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body.

Don’t just practice while static; try to move around while shifting your weight to learn how to best control the ball. You’re going to be dribbling in many different conditions during a game. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. You’ll need to learn how to dribble while your body is leaning in different directions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer.

With all of these awesome basketball tips, you’ve got a lot of opportunity to grow. Make sure you practice hard to reach your goals. Put putting these tips to use, along with your plan, you will notice the difference in your game.