TIP! Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received.

If you’ve dreamed of becoming a basketball star, you know what kind of dedication is necessary. This is true even if you only want to play for fun. The information presented here is sure to help you improve your game, no matter what level you play at now.

TIP! Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. This will give you better control of the basketball. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

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.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Try dribbling even when walking to a store. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

TIP! Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They are not doing it right. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? The back pass is just the thing! You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. Next, place the ball behind you.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.

TIP! Practice playing by yourself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

TIP! See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Find out what they perceive as your best skill.

Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Exercise your abdominal muscles as well as those of the hips, buttocks and back. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else.

Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.

TIP! Practice passing while not looking in the direction of the pass. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass.

Now, you need to get going and use the advice and guidance found in this piece. Apply what you have learned in this article to your basketball game. This plan will be successful.