Basketballs is indeed an exciting, fast-paced sport that many people enjoy. However, in order to play basketball to the best of your ability, there are some things you need to know about. The following tips will help you take your game up a notch.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.

Bounce Pass

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. 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! Work on pass catches. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

Need to dupe the opposition? You should try a back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.

It can help you when you pass through your legs. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Consider the back pass. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. So, if you shoot using your left hand, launch with your right foot. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

A key play on defense is to draw a charge. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team. This can make for good psychological warfare.

TIP! 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. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

When dibbling the ball, bend your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen. You will have better ball control with bent knees.

To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses. By learning to shoot from NBA distances, you improve your range tremendously.

You should keep the ball below the knees if you’re able to. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low. Practice moving quickly while dribbling below knee level.

TIP! If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured.

You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. You can’t push with that arm, but it can serve as an obstacle that helps keep your opponent from reaching in. Keep this hand up as you’re dribbling the ball with the other.

Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. Dribbling somewhat slowly, then suddenly dribbling fast might give you the opening you need to take a shot. The change in speed and sound can surprise your opponent.

Your diet is key to being a better player. Carbs, fats and proteins all keep your energy levels at the right place. The best additions are whole wheats, grains, poultry and nuts. Limit your consumption of salt and sugar.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

Build your team up at all times. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level. You need to know how your teammates play to play the best ball game. Additionally, you need to be able to trust them.

Double Dribble

You should never double dribble. This happens when you stop dribbling and then begin again. Once you stop dribbling, you choices are to either shoot or pass the ball. You cannot start dribbling again. If you double dribble the ball will be given to the other team.

TIP! If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed.

Position yourself between the ball carrier and your opponent if they are bigger than you. This way, they won’t be open, so the ball cannot be passed to them. If they were to get he ball, they’d be able to make a shot over you.

Focus on the ball and where it is going. Rebounds are essential to the game. It doesn’t matter if you defend an opponent greatly when they shoot and miss if you can’t get the ball once again.

Proper pivoting is essential in the game of basketball. Having excellent footwork through repetition in practice allows you to develop a nice pivot that becomes second nature in a game. Develop your pivot stance, and the practice quick reactions with the ball in hand.

TIP! Quickness is a blessing in basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly.

As this article has proven to you, basketball is one of the most enjoyable sports in the whole world. To play in the manner of a professional, you need to have a great deal of knowledge. These tips will ensure you grow as a player.