In basketball, every player, from least to best, has a lot to learn. Basketball constantly changes, so learning all about it will help you keep up. Do you want to become better? Continue reading to find out how you can improve your game.

TIP! Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Many times, defense actually wins the game.

Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting. Practice constantly using this tip. Hold the ball level with your face. Keep your eyes on the goal and visualize the ball going into the goal. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. But, there are some factors that can change this.

Free Throws

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.

TIP! You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

TIP! Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent.

Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. It takes steady drilling to play fast. Do not play beyond you capabilities, however. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. If you walk without dribbling, you will be called for walking and this will result in a turnover. Moving either of your feet when setting a pick, screen, or even take a charge will result in a foul.

TIP! Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

After reading the above tips, you should feel confident in your skills on the court. They were put together so you can become better at the game. Practice daily and continue learning. Keep these tips in mind to become a better player.