Basketball is adored worldwide. Every player has their own skills that contribute to wins for their team. If you’re here to get educated on how you can become a better basketball player then continue to the article below.

Free throws are mental as well as physical. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws. However, if you’re not in the right state of mind, you won’t succeed. Relax your mind and keep your concentration centered on the basket to make more of these freebies.

TIP! It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs. The lower and upper extremities are linked by the core, and athletes with a weak core will exhibit limited performance. A strong core provides a center of force that can be tapped through the legs while running and jumping during games.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. No signal, no pass.

TIP! To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Also, keep your palm off the ball. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

TIP! Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.

Everyone who plays basketball works on finding ways to improve the skills they have. This article has provided you with the tips you need to succeed. Keep these tips in mind during your next practice to improve your game.