TIP! Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

You know how much practice being the star basketball player is. Even if you’re playing for recreation, you still want to improve your game. The following tips will help you improve your game.

TIP! Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try a pass back! To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you.

It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. Don’t worry! You can still accomplish a lot when playing solo. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.

Strong Core

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.

TIP! When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. It can be very confusing to your opponents.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Do you do something particularly well? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

TIP! To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand.

Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. If you know their game, you can defend against it. A smart defensive player is a strong one.

TIP! You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This speeds up the dribbling cycle, which means the person covering you has less of a chance to steal the ball each cycle.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Did you spot something that could be improved? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

TIP! You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

Free Throw

TIP! Use the hand that doesn’t have the ball as a block. You can’t push on your opponent, but you should use your non-dribbling arm to protect the ball.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

TIP! Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. Running, both sprints and long distance, can help your game.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!

TIP! If you are aware that the player with the ball has a weak hand, force the use of that hand. Step toward their strong side with your foot to force them to react by switching sides.

To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so find a way to slip around him and get to the ball. By doing this, you can increase your chance to get the rebound despite starting in a disadvantageous position.

TIP! When you shoot, do what you can to temper your nerves. Keep your eyes on the rim and don’t lose focus.

Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed. It will allow you to execute easy layups.

TIP! When you’ve got the ball, you must know when to take a shot, and then when you should pass it to another player who’s got a better shot. It is far better to contribute to the winning shot than be the only person involved in the shot that lost the game.

One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position. Don’t ever allow your feet to cross to become a hard player to pass.

TIP! Always pay attention to where the ball goes once your teammate or your opponent sends it out of their hands. A big part of a basketball game are rebounds.

Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. Push forward and blast by them.

TIP! Passing is the most important part of the game: not shooting. Your opponent will have a more difficult time stealing the ball if it is frequently being passed.

You’ve got to start taking action and using the techniques and tips in this article. If you use the above advice, you are sure to see a positive shift in your game. This will lead you on your way to success!