TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Now is the time to begin finding out more about basketball. You play basketball and love it. No player knows everything, so remember that and keep practicing and learning. So, maybe this article can teach you a thing or two. Read on for some useful ways you can improve your basketball game.

TIP! When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

Do you want to fool the other team? Consider the back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Then, move the basketball around your rear. Quickly flick with your wrist in the direction you want to pass the ball. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

Core Muscles

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Try doing a back pass! To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you.

If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. Your performance is going to be sub-par if you don’t have strengthened core muscles. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. There are two important points you must remember.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Make them uncomfortable. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Never let them control the game plays. You should never let an opponent control what you do on the court. To avoid this, stay aggressive and try to interrupt their thought patterns and rhythm.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position.

These tips give you the needed motivation on the court. It’s wonderful to learn something new and see how it ends up working for you. Keep in mind everything that you’ve read here so you’re able to show it off to others. Basketball is a wonderful sport to enjoy!