No one will try to fix a problem with their car’s engine without researching how it is done right. So how do you expect to turn into a good basketball player without learning the game? This article has many great expert basketball tips in it.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. When practicing your free throw, concentrate on where you want the ball to go when it leaves your hands. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.

TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble on your way to school. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. Taking a shot when you are off balance will probably lead to a turnover. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.

Free Throw

TIP! If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. No problem! Solo games can help you immensely. Work on free throws and pivot moves. There is no shortage of things you can do.

TIP! It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. These will both require powerful footwork.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. You can learn a lot by watching how you play and what you need to concentrate practicing on.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. It can be very confusing to your opponents. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. Eventually, your weak hand will be trained to dribble properly.

Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.

TIP! Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team.

Learning to fix your own car would bring you a great sense of accomplishment. This feeling can only be rivaled if you’re able to succeed in playing basketball well. Becoming a basketball expert will allow you to win more games and wow your teammates.