TIP! Learn proper dribbling. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

Basketball has been around for a long time, since Dr. This happened in the year of 1891. It’s now a hugely popular sport. Michael Jordan comes to mind. Celebrities such as Magic Johnson have made this sport very popular. To get more out of their success, read below.

TIP! Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.

TIP! Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. You must do it fast for best success. A good crossover dribble can give you the opportunity to switch directions and progress on the court much faster.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Know what you are good at, then practice it until you’re absolutely perfect at it!

TIP! Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Keep practicing your layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.

TIP! You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. They will probably notice the things you do best.

Practice the skill of pass catching. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. Cover for your teammates’ errant passes by developing the hands to cover their mistakes.

TIP! Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Know the dominant hand of every player. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. A person that knows about defending makes a strong defender.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling.

Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

TIP! Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. It can be very confusing to your opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

Free Throw

TIP! To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.

TIP! Use your hand to create a barrier between the ball and your opponent. You can’t push with that arm, but it can serve as an obstacle that helps keep your opponent from reaching in.

Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. If you have somebody guarding you very closely, pass the ball to an open teammate.

TIP! To become a great player talk with your teammates and learn what they have planned. Basketball requires a team.

Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.

TIP! If you’re serious about basketball, seriously consider your diet. When you play regularly, you need plenty of carbs for more energy, along with protein and fats.

If it is possible, keep all action below the knee. This will lower the chances of your opponent being able to steal the ball. This also allows you to cover large distances across the court, which makes it difficult for opposing players o block you.

TIP! Where you are before and following a rebound is going to mean the difference between possessing the ball or giving it to the other team. Improve your balance a power by using both feet to jump and use both hands to grab the ball.

The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. You don’t need to push any opponents since that’s a foul, but try using your non-dribbling arm like a separator for keeping the ball safe. You should try to keep your barrier arm up slightly when you are dribbling.

TIP! When you shoot, try to stay calm. Maintain focus on the basket.

All you need to have a basketball game is a basketball goal and a few friends. To play your best, you must have good knowledge. Start with the tips presented here and continue to add to your knowledge of basketball.