TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Basketball is incredibly popular. Whether you’re playing or watching at home, basketball isn’t going anywhere. If you enjoy playing, imagine how much more fun it would be if you were a better player. In this article, we will discuss excellent tips that will help you become the best player possible to help your team win.

TIP! The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more.

Practice hitting your free throws. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Put your weaker hand in front of the ball and center your stronger hand over the air valve in the basketball. Keep looking at the goal while visualizing the basketball going through the hoop. Next, shoot with just the trajectory you saw.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

TIP! A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. Visit a doctor if you think it’s serious.

TIP! If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Is there something that you excel at? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Find out who are the right-handed or left-handed players. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. A smart defensive player is a strong one.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball.

You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Never assume you can just stand somewhere, catch and then shoot. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court.

Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. Like them, push and run past them.

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand.

Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will have a positive impact on your basketball game, too.

TIP! Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. A hard dribble returns the ball back to you faster, leaving less chance of it being snatched by the other team.

To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses. If you can make a basket from there, you will open up the defense because they will have to play you closely.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots.

You’ll want to use the hand that you aren’t dribbling with as a barrier to protect the ball. You never want to push the opponent with your hand, but it is possible to use your free hand to secure the ball. Keep your other arm up slightly while you dribble.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength.

Do exercises that will assist you in becoming a better player. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina. Lifting weights can help you get more muscle. The resulting sense of confidence and power will help when you shoot.

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited.

After reading the above article you should be familiar with how to get better at basketball. Many techniques can be mastered easily through repetition. No matter what you are trying to learn, practice makes perfect. You just need a basketball and a hoop. Whether you’re practicing or having a game with friends, the hours add up and will make you a better player.