Basketball is exciting and fast-paced; of course people love it. To be good at it, you have to understand the game. The tips below will help you master your technique.

One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.

TIP! Practice your free throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. These skills require solid footwork.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.

TIP! Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. Avoid playing faster than your abilities allow. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.

Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

TIP! Practice your passes and catches frequently. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Don’t just think you can place yourself in one spot, wait for the ball then hoist up a shot. While this does happen on occasion, you should be moving in order to execute the play.

Building strength improves your basketball game. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. When they become teenagers, they can start using weights to increase their exercise. As adults, it will be imperative to maintain a strength training routine.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up.

When on defense, try to keep yourself low whenever you can. You will become faster and react faster. Hold a defensive stance always. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.

As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. This is when they should trap him. With the forwards blocking outside, you have a good shot at intercepting a bad pass. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. You will soon see a difference on the court if you are consistent with these simple exercises.

TIP! Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots. Focus on the target when airborne, but never before. That helps you boost your accuracy.

Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. Basically the only move you have at this point is to pivot while finding an opening to move the ball. This leaves you vulnerable to being double teamed by members of the opposing team, and it is far more likely that the ball will be stolen.

Clearly, basketball has the potential to be incredibly enjoyable. This article has give you the knowledge you need to play better. If you want to give basketball your all, then follow the advice you have read here.