TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

When you are thinking about how you can get better at basketball, the thing of most importance is to practice. Make sure you perform drills correctly and keep working on an exercise until you get it right every time. Keep reading for some basketball pointers that will have you hoop ready in no time.

TIP! Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Practice this technique regularly. Start by holding your basketball right in the front of your own face. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. Keep dribbling the ball even while you’re doing your errands. Don’t look while dribbling, because you won’t be able to see what’s going on.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing a back pass! To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. This should be something you do quickly. Once you master the art of the crossover dribble, you will be able to change directions quicker.

TIP! Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent.

Practice your layup shot often. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

Bounce Pass

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast.

A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Relax your mind and keep your concentration centered on the basket to make more of these freebies.

TIP! Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot.

You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

Never play through an injury when playing basketball. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. Is there something that you excel at? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

TIP! Basketball players need to engage in strength training. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! If you want a 2-3 zone to be turned into a machine that traps, your two defenders that are guarding should wait until your point guard is around ten feet past mid court. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap.

The best free throws come as a result of routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. You’re going to be dribbling in many different conditions during a game.

Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. Doing this lets you get a rebound freely and not commit a foul in the process.

TIP! Stay low and dribble the ball below the level of your knees. This makes it more difficult for your opponents to steal the ball.

It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes. You have to build your peripheral vision. Having good court awareness to see everything around you lets you see plays develop before they happen, either by warding off the defenders or getting the ball to open teammates.

TIP! Try using your non-dribbling hand like a barrier between the ball and your opponent. Never push your opponent away because that ends up in a foul, but lightly use your other hand to keep separation between the ball and your opponent.

When you dribble, keep your knees comfortably bent. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. You will have better ball control with bent knees.

TIP! The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. You need a team to play basketball.

To better three-point shooting, try using NBA distance as the minimum. The standard line and college lines are much closer. If you’re able to get the shot from where the NBA shoots, then you can start working from a range further than the defense expects.

TIP! If you are aware of a weakness in one of your opponent’s hands, make them work with that side. Step toward their strong side with your foot to force them to react by switching sides.

Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. When you do this, your opponents can double team you and steal the ball.

TIP! When shooting, try to keep your nerves under control. This will help improve your focus during the shot.

Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. Weightlifting or resistance training improves your muscle tone. This is also good for making you much more relaxed while you’re shooting the ball.

TIP! It is important to master your footwork on the court, not just your shooting. Always know the best ways to move depending on where you are on the court.

These tips will help your game, whether it is for fun or competitive. Just start with one tip and watch your game improve. You will become a better passer, rebounder and shooter.