Basketball is played all over the world, and it’s a fun game. All players have skill that they use to assist their team in winning. Learn to improve your skills by reading the following tips.

Practice hitting your free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Practice often using the following technique. Hold the ball level to your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.

Make sure to practice catching passes. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. Don’t get discouraged if it is hard initially’ because the gains you will make are sure to be worthwhile.

Core Muscles

If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? What areas are your strong points? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

Always be aware of your feet. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. Not dribbling when you take more than a few steps will result in a walking call as well as a forfeit of the ball. 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 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 long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. When you do it right, the opponents are going to think you’re moving in one direction. That way, the person you’ve given the ball to has a bit of time to look at the net to taking a shot. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter.

Everyone who tries their hand at basketball works on perfecting certain skills needed to do well. You should now understand what it takes to be a great basketball player. If you forget a piece of advice from this article, come back and read it again. Always keep practicing the tips from above to improve your game.