One of the neat facts about basketball is that it is easy to learn. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. You can always learn more and this article will help you start learning.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. The following technique should be practiced often. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Then, use the trajectory you just visualized and shoot the ball.

TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. They are improvising. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

Practice your layups a lot. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. It’s critical to practice running towards the basket at full speed and following up with a good jump and smooth shot. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

Don’t play when you are injured! This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. If the pain is bad, visit a doctor.

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Do you have an area where you excel? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking. Making a goal isn’t just standing there as the ball miraculously comes to you and then shooting it at the basket. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.

Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.

Strength Training

If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. In addition to strength, stamina is key in basketball. Even younger kids will benefit from strength training. As players mature, weight training can begin. Playing as an adult, it is important that you focus on your stamina for optimal performance.

TIP! Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him. As your guards are doing this, send your forwards out to the outside opponents. This can cause the point guard to pass the ball in a way that your teammates can easily steal.

Perhaps you discovered basketball just before you saw this article. You may have played the game ever since you were young. Either way, the information located above can assist you in becoming a great ball player. Be sure to use this advice when you have to play basketball next.