TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

Would you let just anyone work on your car, or try to do it yourself without finding out the proper way to do things? The same goes for working on your basketball skills. The following tips have helped pros become the players they are.

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

Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Dribble on your way to school. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.

TIP! Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. You must do it fast for best success. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

Bounce Pass

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Do you have an area where you excel? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Take a deep breathe, relax and block out all outside distractions before taking the shot.

TIP! Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports.

You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

TIP! Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play. No problem. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Work on your pivot moves or practice your free throws. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

Core Muscles

TIP! If you want to put pressure on the offense, you need to change the pace of things. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals. These muscles form a bridge across the lower and upper parts of your body. When the core is weak, it is difficult to coordinate the movements of both halves. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. You may injure yourself more if you continue to play with an injury. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. Basketball requires a team.

Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles. Exercise your abdominal muscles as well as those of the hips, buttocks and back. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! You don’t want to double dribble while on the court. That happens when you stop one time, and start again in a few seconds.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! As you come off a rebound, come down with legs that are spread out wider than the broadness of your shoulders. This will increase your balance.

When you’re able to fix something on your own, you feel pride in what you have accomplished. That said, except for becoming a better basketball player. Have fun impressing your teammates with your new skills and win all the games you can.