TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble.

Whether you are going to try out for the team or you are just going to ride the bleachers, there’s stuff you need to know about basketball. Just starting out? This does not need to overly concern you. It is not too hard to learn about basketball. You can find some useful information that will enhance your game as a player and a spectator.

TIP! When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

Practice shooting free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Use the following directions to perfect free throws and practice often. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

TIP! Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Are you really good at any one thing? They may say you’re fast or that you share well.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. No problem. There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. Practice free throws and layups. There is no shortage of things you can do.

Core Muscles

TIP! To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

TIP! Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.

TIP! Improve your shooting skills by taking hundreds of different shots from all angles and distances. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot.

Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.

TIP! Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. The other team’s players will have a difficult time stealing the basketball from you.

These tips should help you get started on improving your game. Since reading this information, you know how exciting basketball can be. Put the tips above to use in order to better your skills.