TIP! It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

Basketball is loved by many. It’s not that simple to be the most talented in the game. Regardless of whether you are the best or not, you can still have fun playing basketball. Read on so you are able to get some information that can help you improve your game, or understand it a bit better.

TIP! Balance is important when shooting. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. 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! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time.

Work on being able to receive a pass. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play.

You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. Don’t get upset if it seems hard, this will improve your team’s passes over time.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Try a back pass. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand.

Do you want to fool the other team? Try a back pass. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This will confuse the opposition.

TIP! Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. Anytime you have a serious injury, you should seek medical attention.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Are you great at any one thing? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. They will probably notice the things you do best. Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

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.

One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Pay attention to how they play. You should know if a player is right or left handed. If you know their game, you can defend against it. A smart defensive player is a strong one.

TIP! Work on core strength when you work out. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance.

Work on core strength when you work out. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

TIP! To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement.

You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Force them away from their comfort zone. Use aggression with your moves. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. If you do so, then your rivals have the control. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

Be sly on your soles to catch rebounds from free-throws your own team members are making. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball. You are able to rebound the ball without fouling someone.

TIP! When on defense, try to keep yourself low whenever you can. This allows you to jump or react quicker.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. Stop dribbling when people guard you too closely.

TIP! You’ll want to use the hand that you aren’t dribbling with as a barrier to protect the ball. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it.

A great way to make sure you’re in a good position defensively is to keep yourself in the defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Stay low and make it hard for opponents to get around you.

Strength Training

TIP! Anticipate where the ball will go. For instance, corner shots usually bounce off the rim, ending up on the opposite side.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. Even young children can benefit from strength training. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. Continue training throughout the adult years to maintain a constant performance.

TIP! When shooting, try to keep your nerves under control. Keep focused on the goal.

Keep your knees loose when you dribble the ball. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. Just a slight bend in your knees can have a huge impact on ball control.

TIP! Always apply pressure on the individual with the ball while on defense. If you can stay within a six foot distance of that player, then he has to pass the ball before 5 seconds elapses.

Is it time to let others know how good you are? First, put these tips to good use. Get pumped and get out into the game! You should soon see improvements to your skills all thanks to using these tips.