TIP! When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

Who invented the game of basketball? Dr. It was invented by a man named Dr. James Naismith. It has developed into an extremely popular sport. People of all ages love the sport of basketball. J and Michael Jordan are now huge celebrities. To get more out of their success, read below.

TIP! To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Next, shoot with just the trajectory you saw.

TIP! A bounce pass is essential to learn. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Carry your basketball everywhere. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. Maintaining unbroken visual contact with the ball makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings.

TIP! Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time.

You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

Keep your eye on the ball. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! Quickness is a virtue in basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Look at how you did and judge yourself. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This will confuse your opponents. When done right, the look draws your opponents to the wrong locale so that the person you passed to has a good long look at the basket before shooting. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! Take a charge if you can. Letting the other guy run into you stops the game without having to use a time out, and adds another four to the opponent’s total.

To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

TIP! Practice shooting hundreds of shots during each training, and you quickly improve shooting skills. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot.

Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Learning how to pass the ball ensures that you can get the ball safely to a teammate who has better position on the court.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. The other team’s players will have a difficult time stealing the basketball from you.

Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. Simultaneously, make sure you own forwards are free to sprint to the opposing players who are out on the wings. The guard on point should make a pass that can easily be stolen by the forwards.

TIP! Be careful not to double-dribble. This is when you are dribbling, then you stop and then you begin again.

When dibbling the ball, bend your knees. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. You will gain a lot of ball control by bending your knees just a bit.

TIP! What your position is in relationship to the rebound can help you figure out if you will still have the ball. Jump using both of your feet to gain greater balance and control and grab the ball with two hands.

Hoops that are 10 feet tall, courts that are comparable to the length of football fields, and 10 players are all that’s needed for playing regulation basketball. If you desire to become an amazing player, you need the right knowledge. Reading this article was a great first step. Continue to learn more as you practice your skills.