TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand.

Basketball is such a fun sport and loved by many. However, being the star player is hard. While genetics and athleticism can determine your rank, it is made to be fun for all. Read on to find out more.

TIP! Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Basketball games are won with a good defense. If your team doesn’t have a good defense, you’re not going to make it far in a game.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

Learn the best way to make your free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. You should practice as often as possible with this technique. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! Never play through an injury on the court. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

Practice your layups a lot. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes.

Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.

TIP! Practice looking the other way when passing. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. This will help to improve your game when it gets intense. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot.

Play by yourself to practice. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.

Core Muscles

TIP! If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. All the other lines are closer.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.

TIP! You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your outside shooting game. Practice dribbling and quick shots.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot. Keep it simple and consistent, and the routine will become a part of your muscle memory.

TIP! Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. You never want to push the opponent with your hand, but it is possible to use your free hand to secure the ball.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! Switching up your dribbling rhythm can really throw the defense off. You can for instance suddenly speed up your dribbling to get past an opponent and get the edge you need for a shot.

Do you want to show off your new skills? Utilizing the tips in this article can make you a better overall player. Start being excited and then get motivated to start playing basketball today! It won’t be long before you notice your game improving, all thanks to this article.

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