TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play.

Basketball is more than just something you play in intramural sports or in your P.E. class. It can be played anywhere there is open space. If you like shooting hoops, you will enjoy learning how to improve your game with the information presented here.

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers.

Correct dribbling is key. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. Always dribble to your side, not your front. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

Free Throw

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear. Practice constantly using this tip. Start with the ball held out from your face. Visualize the ball sailing into the hoop. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

TIP! It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

Bounce Pass

TIP! If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

Perfect your bounce pass. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. Although, there will be other circumstances that are involved too.

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You will quickly notice all the different skills that they have which makes them a great player, then take what you learned and use it to help improve your own game.

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. What areas are your strong points? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them.

Practice using different types of defenses. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Do they feel you are really good at something? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! Always practice from all spots on the court. You need to practice your grip and balance.

A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. In order to be fast, you must constantly do drills. Just don’t play any faster than you’re able to. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.

TIP! If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. To play with great frequency, you will need a large amount of carbs combined with a bit of fat and protein.

Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

Consistent Routine

TIP! Create a team environment that is tough on the court and off of it. A team that works together is an unstoppable team.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! If you have to guard a taller or bigger player, concentrate on remaining between that person and the player with the ball. This way, they won’t be open, so the ball cannot be passed to them.

Whether you’re playing competitions, H.O.R.S.E., or pick-up games, becoming better at basketball can help you enjoy it more. Now that you’ve read through this article, the only thing left to do is to put what you’ve learned into practice. The more you know, the better your game will be.