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

Do you want to learn about basketball? You are not alone! There are many people out there who love to take in a basketball game and are very curious as to how the pros play so well. This piece offers some terrific tips straight from the pros.

TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand.

Correct dribbling is key. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.

TIP! Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Pay attention to how they play.

Interested in tricking your opponents? You should try a back pass. To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This helps trick your opponents.

Core Muscles

TIP! Where are your feet? Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court. Not dribbling when you take more than a few steps will result in a walking call as well as a forfeit of the ball.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

TIP! Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. You can really confuse your opponents this way.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them.

Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. A smart defensive player is a strong one.

TIP! In order to confuse the offense, try changing your pace. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!

TIP! Strength training can be a major help in basketball. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength.

Although you can enjoy watching basketball without understanding the game, it’s more fun when you know what’s happening on the court. After reading this article you are now well-educated on the sport. So go out and recruit a few friends for a friendly game of basketball and show off your newly learned skills.