TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Basketball is played by people of all ages. You can play this game in your driveway or at a local park. If you love basketball, this content allows you to perfect your game.

TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet.

Always work on your layups. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

TIP! Crossovers are key for ball handlers. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand.

Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. Trying to continue playing even if you’ve got discomfort can make the injury worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Do you do something really good? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This gives you better control of the ball. Keep your palm off the ball, too. When you’re shooting or passing, the only place the ball should touch your hand is on your fingers.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Do you do something really good? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player.

Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Remember which player shoots left and which shoots right. If you know their game, you can defend against it. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes.

Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. It really can be a powerful technique.

TIP! Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots. You want your peripheral vision to be as good as it can. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it.

Whether you’re playing for fun or looking to become a professional, your game will be much more enjoyable once you’ve bettered your game. Now that you’ve read this information, take it to the next level by putting what you’ve learned into practice. The more you learn, the more you can enjoy playing and watching basketball.