It’s time for you to learn more about basketball. You love to play, and you are passionate about the sport. When it comes to basketball, as with most things in life, you can always learn more. This article will probably teach you some things you don’t already know. Read on to learn how to become a better basketball player.

Learn the best way to make your free throws. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Practice often using the following technique. Hold the ball level with your face. Focus on the basket and picture the ball slipping into the net. Next, shoot with just the trajectory you saw.

TIP! Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

Practice your bounce pass. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. There are many factors which come into play, though.

Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.

TIP! Perfect your layup technique. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Practice your passes and catches frequently. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.

Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. Fingers should be the only point of contact as you pass or shoot the ball at its target.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. Being aware of your body movements can give you an advantage on the court.

Keeping in mind these helpful tips, you should be re-energized to play a game. It feels good to be in control of your game. Keep these tips close at hand so they can be put to good use. It is a great game to play and watch!