TIP! Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move.

What should you know about playing basketball? How can I hone my skills? Keep reading if you are interested in learning more about basketball, whether you are a player or a fan of this great sport.

TIP! Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist.

Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Practice often using the following technique. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Shoot the basketball exactly as you saw in your mind.

TIP! Work on catching passes frequently. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.

TIP! You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. This is simply an improvised move. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.

TIP! Interested in tricking your opponents? Try the back pass. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Find out what they perceive as your best skill.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it.

Need to dupe the opposition? Try a pass back! To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. This is just fine. There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You can always find things to practice.

TIP! You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. What areas are your strong points? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

TIP! Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

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. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.

TIP! Your routines must be consistent for free throws. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

Do you have the answers you were looking for? Are you prepared to leave it all out on the court? Can you handle becoming an even better basketball player as a result of reading this article? Go forward, start practicing, implement these tips and find the great rewards you will get as a result.

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