TIP! Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it.

A lot of people love the game of basketball. It is a simple game that can be appreciated by everyone. When you start learning to play, you have to cooperate with teammates and have the spirit of sportsmanship whether you lose or win. If you wish to learn about basketball, you should read below.

TIP! You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

You must have good balance to shoot well. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass.

You should often work on your layups. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

Free Throws

TIP! Don’t play when you are injured! It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. Trying to continue playing even if you’ve got discomfort can make the injury worse.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times.

Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

TIP! If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot.

To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

Quickness is a virtue in basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. If you play too quickly, you lose control over the ball and the match.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

TIP! If you want to stay in a good defensive position, simply avoid breaking out of your defensive stance. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position.

Why is basketball such a popular sport? Maybe it is the fact that it is fun to play, and not terribly complicated. If you love basketball, the tips from this article will be great for you. Enjoy yourself as you play and use these great tips to increase your skills.