Basketball has been around for decades; it is both fun and invigorating. When you want to master this game, practice is key. Don’t stop, because this article is going to give you the information you need.

Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. 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 and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

Core Muscles

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals. Without a strong core, a player’s performance may not be as good as it could be. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This keeps it under control. Your palm should not be touching the ball. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games.

Understand your opponent. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. If you know their game, you can defend against it. When you are prepared, you play better defense.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

When you use these tips, you will have more fun when playing basketball. Keep researching online and in print to keep up on the latest and greatest in basketball tips. The more you learn, the better your game will be.