TIP! Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player.

People love to play and compete in the popular game of basketball, which has attracted many since its inception decades ago. If improving as a basketball player is important to you, practice and dedication are essential. You will gain irreplaceable knowledge by reading this article so keep on reading.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss.

Pay attention to what you are good at. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you.

You have to know how to bounce pass properly. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

TIP! You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. 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.

Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Watch as many games on TV as you can. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

Perfect Passes

TIP! Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Frequent pass catching practice is important. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

TIP! Practice passing while looking another way. This throws your opponents off.

Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. If your teammate misses your signal, then they may miss the ball as well and the other team could gain possession.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand.

Work on core strength when you work out. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Exercise your abdominal muscles as well as those of the hips, buttocks and back. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This is a great way to fake out your opponents. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses.

Change your pace up to throw the offense off. When you are getting closer to the net, put your foot out and straighten up your body. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.

Strength Training

TIP! If you want to perform your best in basketball, you need to eat well. When playing regularly, you are going to need lots of carbs for serious energy, along with some fats and protein.

It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Even kids can benefit by getting stronger through exercise. As they grow and gain skills, they will be even better players. Once they transition into adulthood, strength training must continue to be a core part of their exercise routine.

TIP! Do not double dribble. This occurs if you restart dribbling seconds after you have stopped your original dribble.

When you are defending, keep your stance low. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way. Be in the correct defensive stance all the time. If you break the stance to shot-block, then recover the proper form immediately after the pass or shot.

TIP! Passing must be a crucial element in your game. Your opponent will have a more difficult time stealing the ball if it is frequently being passed.

With the right information, playing basketball can be more fun! Find other article and blogs to read to continue learning. Take what you need and leave the rest. Practice diligently to improve your game.