TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

Do you remember the first time you played basketball? You were figuring out the best ways to dribble the ball, to pass it, and to shoot it. These days, you may feel a lot like you’ve learned all that you need to know. Keep reading though, you just might find out there’s a lot more to learn.

TIP! Perfect your layup technique. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Basketball games are often won by the defense. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

TIP! Practice the skill of pass catching. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Make use of the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. That is okay. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. You can practice free throws or pivot moves. There is no shortage of things you can do.

Strong Core

TIP! Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. Can you get better at something? They may say you’re fast or that you share well.

Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A solid and strong core lets force that comes from the legs get used for beneficial movements when playing, like faster running and higher jumping.

TIP! Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

Never play through an injury when playing basketball. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. Visit a doctor if you think it’s serious.

TIP! Quickness is a blessing in basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast.

Understand your opponent. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

TIP! 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.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. This helps to maintain balance throughout your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

TIP! Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

TIP! Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court.

If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. As they grow and become teenagers, weight-lifting can be beneficial. Playing as an adult, it is important that you focus on your stamina for optimal performance.

TIP! One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

This article has provided you with excellent ideas for improving your game, so the ball is in your court. So, set some goals and practice with all your might. A little effort and some new strategies can bring your game to a whole new level.