TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

You know how much practice being the star basketball player is. Even if you happen to be a purely recreational player, you probably still wish to play well. Reading the information here should help you make some improvements in your future basketball games.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They have just improvised, is all. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.

TIP! Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

Practice playing by yourself. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. No problem! It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. There are always things that can be done.

TIP! Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. Focus on hips, lower back and abs.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

TIP! Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage.

When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. 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! Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds.

Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. It is essential to move the ball around in order to succeed.

TIP! Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

Now, all you have to do is put these tips to use. You’re going to see improvement as you go on, so remember what you have learned, apply the tips, and keep practicing. Those three things are keys to success.