TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

To become a star in basketball, you need a lot of practice and a good work ethic. Whether you’re playing for fun or for a team, you probably would like to be a good player. You can gain valuable knowledge when you read this article.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand.

In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Don’t get too frustrated if you’re having a hard time when you start because after a while passes are going to be more accurate.

Core Muscles

TIP! Practice catching passes often. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes.

Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. These muscles form a bridge across the lower and upper parts of your body. When the core is weak, it is difficult to coordinate the movements of both halves. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.

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

Never turn away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what’s coming. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! Don’t let the ball go behind your back. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! If you experience a slump in your scoring and shooting, your shoulders may be the cause of the problem. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in.

Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Don’t try playing fast until you can. If you play beyond your speed, the game gets out of control, with errant passes and turnovers.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! The first step when dribbling is to bend at your knees instead of standing straight-legged. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it.

To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Your defensive moves must be aggressive and executed properly. Don’t let them dictate the game. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.

TIP! Practice dribbling by switching momentum. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game.

To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.

TIP! If possible, the action should remain below your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. They can then trap the point guard. Simultaneously, forwards should block sprint toward wing players. Your point guard must then launch a pass in a way that is easy for your forwards to steal.

TIP! In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. Basketball is a sport played by a team.

Now, all you have to do is put these tips to use. You’ll see improvement in no time by using the tips mentioned here. This three-step plan leads you to success.