TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game.

It’s time for you to learn more about basketball. You love playing the sport. But you still lack a bit of knowledge. Maybe you can learn something from this article. Read on to see if there’s anything that can better your game.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Avoid using your palm while dribbling. Instead, use your fingertips. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.

TIP! Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Pay attention to how they play.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. This action most be quick to work out. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

Core Muscles

TIP! Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game.

If your kid is going to try out for the basketball team, they should be properly training their core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs. Your performance is going to be sub-par if you don’t have strengthened core muscles. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball too. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

TIP! Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. Moving either of your feet when setting a pick, screen, or even take a charge will result in a foul.

TIP! You can really up your performance on the court by doing strength training. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. By looking in the opposite direction, your teammate has a few extra seconds to make the shot. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

Peripheral Vision

TIP! It is important that you remain in control of the ball despite which way your body is going. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations.

Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Peripheral vision is important during game play. Being aware of the entire court will help you to better anticipate who will move where.

TIP! Keep the action beneath your knees, if you can. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low.

You need to take a charge anytime you can. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul. This may completely break the competition down.

TIP! Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. Figure out where it will land to grab the rebound.

Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. You will have the guard think that you’re slowing down. In turn, they will straighten themselves. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.

TIP! Foster a positive relationship with your team members regardless of whether you are playing or practicing. Basketball is a great game that can be elevated when the team is of one mind.

Now that you’ve come to the end of this article, you are ready to get out there and play. It is worthwhile to watch and learn from new concepts. Remember all the information that has been presented so that you can show off your skills. Basketball is a lot of fun, for players and fans.