Are you a fan of basketball but you’re not very educated about it? It’s not just you! There are many people out there who love to take in a basketball game and are very curious as to how the pros play so well. Keep reading to discover great tips that the pros use.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Know what you are good at, then practice it until you’re absolutely perfect at it!

TIP! Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

Strong Core

If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. A strong core helps the legs move better, like jumping higher and running faster.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. What areas are your strong points? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. 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! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.

Free Throw

Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Try the back pass. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass.

If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Go forwards and backwards with the ball to practice bouncing it. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. When you are being guarded closely, pass the ball.

Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This may not seem feasible, but once you master it, your speed and stride will be truly impressive. It will allow you to execute easy layups.

TIP! Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on.

To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. Then, they ought to trap the point guard. Concurrently, have forwards go to the wings. The guard on point should make a pass that can easily be stolen by the forwards.

AS you dribble the basketball down the court, keep your knees bent. When you are rigid, the ball is not only hard to control, it is also an easier target for a rival to steal. Bending your knees will make a big difference in the way you can control the ball.

If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses. If you are able to make NBA-range three-point-shots, you will be able to find more open looks during your own games.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe. Keep this hand up as you’re dribbling the ball with the other.

The tips you’ve just read can elevate you from a casual enthusiast to an effective basketball player. This article can increase your enjoyment while watching the game and give you some guidelines if you decide to start playing. Go ahead and start a game so you can make use of this advice.