TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

It’s impossible to repair a car engine without proper research. How can you succeed at basketball without researching the sport first? Use the basketball tips you learned in the above article to make your game be as successful as it can be.

TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that.

While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television.

Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try a back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand.

You need good balance when you shoot. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Then, put the ball around your back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should trick the opposing team.

TIP! Never try to push through pain after an injury. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. It’s okay! Solo games also help. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You can always do something.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.

TIP! When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. 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.

Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. If you can pull it off, it’s effective to draw your opponents away from the shooter. That way the shooter gets a great look before shooting. It’s quite a play when done properly.

Free Throw

TIP! Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This should befuddle your opponent.

In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.

TIP! A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Being able to fix your own car provides you with great pride unrivaled by other situations. This is true for basketball as well as many other things in life. Not only will you beginning more, but you’ll show your teammates how good you are.