TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard.

Many people love basketball. Being the best player is not always easy, however. While genetics and athleticism can determine your rank, it is made to be fun for all. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your basketball experience.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. 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. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? How about the behind the back pass? Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Quickly flick with your wrist in the direction you want to pass the ball. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. 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. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Plant your feet and own that spot. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? What areas are your strong points? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

TIP! Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. Try to line your dominant shoulder up with the rim.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Watch replays and follow scouting reports.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It really can be a powerful technique.

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. Inconsistency will ruin your shots. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

TIP! You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours.

Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.

TIP! Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

If you want to stay in a good defensive position, simply avoid breaking out of your defensive stance. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around. Never cross your feet and your opponents will find you a difficult player.

Strength Training

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options.

In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Basketball requires a team.

You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. Never push your opponent away because that ends up in a foul, but lightly use your other hand to keep separation between the ball and your opponent. Just keep it up slightly while dribbling with the other hand.

TIP! Learn to control where your opponent can and can’t move. With practice, you can learn how to control the path of others players with your footwork.

Do you want to show off your skills? First, put these tips to good use. Bring high energy, motivation and excitement to your game. You will soon see changes for the better in your game.