TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

Many people share a love for basketball. Keeping fans happy is all about playing well enough to keep them cheering. It takes practice and a willingness to work on all aspects of the game. You can be a better basketball player. Continue on for excellent tips to ensure that you win as many games as you can.

TIP! Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. That should not matter. There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Work on free throws and pivot moves. You can always work on something.

TIP! It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

Basketball players must be fast. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast. Playing fast requires steady drilling. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. You will not be able to control your moves if you play faster than you are able to.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better. Evaluate what you see honestly, but don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. When you get this move down, you will have an advantage.

TIP! The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball.

Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles.

Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.

TIP! Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly.

Take every charge you can. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Be in the correct defensive stance all the time. If you break form in an attempt to shot block, return to the proper form as soon as you can.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

You can strengthen you weaker hand by using it as much as possible, for instance open jars or even brush your teeth. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better. This also can significantly help your basketball game.

TIP! To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. This speeds up the dribbling cycle, which means the person covering you has less of a chance to steal the ball each cycle.

A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. It is a sport that requires team work. It is not all about one-on-one offense or defense. Everyone should help each other. If you believe others can help you improve, let them know. The result benefits you and your entire team.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up.

Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. Positioning yourself on the opposite side of the basket will increase your chances of getting the rebound.

TIP! To trap someone in a 2-3 zone, get your guards to wait for the point guard to get about 10 feet past midcourt. They should then trap the point guard.

Be sure that you’re not double dribbling. A double dribble occurs when you’re done dribbling one time and then begin to do it again a little while afterwards. After you quit dribbling the only thing you can do is shoot or pass. You can’t start dribbling again. If you do, it’s called a turnover and your opponent will be given the ball.

TIP! If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve.

If you’ve studied the opposing team and found one player isn’t as good with one hand as with the other, try to make that player use his off hand. If your opponent favors their right side, step to them using your left foot. When successful, they will have to switch the side they are using. Bend down so that your head is level with the opponent’s chest. This puts you in position to steal the ball.

TIP! To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses.

Always know where the basketball is headed when it leaves a players hands. Rebounds are very important in the game. It makes no difference if you defend well when the other team misses a shot if you are unable to retrieve the ball.

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. Basketball is nothing if not a team sport.

You should know your weaknesses. Honestly assess your skills. If you’re always missing foul shot, practice these over everything else. If you play weak within the paint, work on short shots and try training to play much more physically. Address your weak spots, and become a well-rounded player.

TIP! Foster a positive relationship with your team members regardless of whether you are playing or practicing. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level.

There are many ways to fine tune your skills. Being good contributes to an overall better team, and that is what leads to lots of happy fans. All of the people involved contribute to the fun of the game. Players have to work hard to better their game. So be sure to keep what you’ve read in mind so you’re able to be the player on the team that everyone enjoys to have around.