Basketball is truly an enjoyable game. Most people, though, can stand to learn more about basketball. Keep on reading to get some great basketball insight.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move.

Figure out how to perfect your free throw. It seems easy to do but surely isn’t. Practice constantly using this tip. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.

TIP! Practice your layup shot often. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball.

If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They are merely making up the play on the spot. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! Practice playing by yourself. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way.

Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

Core Muscles

TIP! Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed.

Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. 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. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

TIP! Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! To better your outdoor shooting skills, take about a hundred shots every day from various places on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. This is a tricky move, but it will provide you a good advantage when you play.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options.

Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.

TIP! Practice dribbling by switching momentum. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling.

Do drills where you try and get the basketball up a full-court in five dribbles or less. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length. That translates to smooth layups during fast breaks.

TIP! If possible, the action should remain below your knees. This makes it more difficult for the opponent to take the ball.

A good way to improve your game is by finding out from your teammates what they plan to do. Basketball is played by a team. Therefore offense and defense do not play one-on-one. You all help each other out. Let others know when you require assistance.

TIP! You need to practice many types of shots on the basketball court. Work on your grip and balance first.

When someone misses a corner shot, you can bet the ball bounces across the court. If that happens, you need to anticipate when it will land so you can catch it on the rebound.

TIP! Always know the angles the ball is likely to take if it misses a goal. When someone is going for a corner shot, try to anticipate where a missed shot would land so you can be there for the rebound.

You need to be able to alter your opponents path. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning. It also allows you to have the freedom to move to an increasingly powerful position.

TIP! For the best balance, make sure you land with your feet spread apart. Keep the hands on both sides of the ball, and make sure it stays close to the chest.

To play or to watch, basketball is truly one of the most enjoyable sports in existence. But to be a better player, or just to understand the game skills needed, keep reading to find out more. This article has hopefully provided you with a ton of new information.