The exciting pace of basketball is a key reason it is so loved. However, to play the best you can, you must learn some things. These tips will help you become a better player.

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Stay calm and collected to increase your free throw percentage.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to actual games or watch on TV. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

Need to dupe the opposition? Try doing what is known as a back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will trick your opponents.

Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Avoid putting your palm on the ball, too. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Make sure you never play past the speed you are comfortable. Playing beyond your speed cause the game to get out of control with various turnovers and errant passes.

Where are your feet? Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. 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.

Free Throw

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

As this article mentioned, basketball is a beloved sport enjoyed globally. This article has also proven that you need knowledge on this sport if you want to play like a pro. Use the above tips to become a great player.