TIP! When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

What is there to learn when it comes to basketball? What information will learn the ins and outs of the game so I can be the player I want to be? The article below has the information you need to know to accomplish your basketball goals.

TIP! There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. 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.

Free throw practice is vitally important. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. Start with the ball positioned right before your face. Then, look at the ball and visualize it going in the basket. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. They are improvising. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Try using a back pass! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging.

Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

Work on catching passes frequently. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions.

As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jump rope like the boxers do to increase your footwork speed.

TIP! Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

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. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. This will easily confuse your opponents. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. It’s a powerful play when done right.

Free Throw

TIP! You should always bend your knees while dribbling. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.

TIP! To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. You can’t push with that arm, but it can serve as an obstacle that helps keep your opponent from reaching in.

In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length. It can mean easier lay-ups when dealing with fast breaks and it can help your teammates for just a moment.

TIP! You should spend some time shooting from various places on the court. Work on your grip and balance first.

Are you aware of the answers to the questions you have? You can now take the court with confidence. Are you set to up your basketball skills? Then it’s time to put your skills to practice and really reap the rewards of what you’ve learned.