Because You Can Never Know Enough About Basketball…

Whether you are a player or a spectator, there’s stuff you need to know about basketball. Not too sure of the score?Basketball is easy to learn the basics. Read on and gather up some fun tips to help you can use for either viewing or playing basketball.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. Hold the ball level with your face. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. Shoot on the same path you saw in your mind’s eye.

TIP! Free throws have a huge mental element to them. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

Learn how to throw proper bounce passes. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the receiving player near their waist. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the receiving player is. There are many factors which come into play, as well.

Free throws are as much mental focus as physical skill. Stay focused and collected to increase your free throws.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. That is okay. You can still practice when playing alone. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. You can always find things to work on.

A good way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros are playing.

A good way to practice sound passing is try doing it without dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.

It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. If you continue playing, you could make the injury even worse. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Don’t bulk up if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle is good, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal percentage.

Would you like to fool the other team? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other players.Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the basketball when trying this pass. This is a very useful trick your opponents.

Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

Ask teammates what they like about your skills on the court.Do you are really good? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or fast on your footwork is enviable.

Never have your back to the ball so that you can always be prepared for anything in a basketball game. This will make you aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Keep your eyes open for easy shots.

Keep low when you play defense. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly. Maintain proper defensive position at all times. If you need to block the opposing team’s shot, resume your stance as soon as you can.

TIP! Always bend the knees while dribbling. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well.

Build your core strength and focus on your footwork. Your body is going to be more stable and be able to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Focus on the back, buttocks, and back muscles. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your footwork speed.

Good footwork can really help you to get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This will get you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.

Improve your shooting skills by taking hundreds of different shots from all angles and distances. To improve even more, practice preparing for a shot quickly after dribbling the ball. Be sure you look at the target as you’re in mid air. This will mimic game conditions and help improve your accuracy.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited.

Dribble hard to avoid the ball stealing. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.

Take every charge if you can.

Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. This is why it’s important to switch the direction you will be dribbling. This can help you out of jams.

Don’t ever allow your feet to cross to become a hard to get around you.

Changing your pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When running toward the hoop, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. The guard may think you’re starting to slow and may try to straighten up too. When that happens, push yourself forward and take the chance to run by them.

Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. When a basketball team is totally in sync, the game is taken to a higher level. When you trust your teammates, you’ll play a better game.

TIP! When guarding a person that is stronger or taller, be sure you stay in between that person and the player with the ball. In this position you prevent them from receiving a pass and shooting it over your head.

Not that wasn’t bad at all, right? You’ve learned a couple basic tricks, so now you can get out there and start enjoying the game. Use the information above to help you become a better ball player.