TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Many people are in love the the game of basketball. You can almost always find a playground game going. You might even make a career of it if you have enough time. To learn about how to play basketball better, read on.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

Dribble properly. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. This method gives you much more control of the ball. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Look up, not down.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups.

It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. The move must be done quickly if it is going to work. Once you have learned how to do a crossover, you can travel down the court quickly.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Go to actual games or watch on TV.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. They are going with the flow when this occurs. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket.

Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.

TIP! The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it.

Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.

TIP! Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

TIP! Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

TIP! Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Get them outside their comfort zone.

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. When you stay consistent, you get better success. In order to make your free throw perfect, you’ll need to practice the shot many times and get into a routine. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.

TIP! As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. You can’t just stand and shoot for the whole game. It is essential to move the ball around in order to succeed.

TIP! Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. Watching the whole court allows you to foresee future attacks from the opponent.

Strength Training

TIP! If you wish to shoot on the outside better you should work on shooting hundreds of times every day from a lot of places on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot.

It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. In addition to strength, stamina is key in basketball. Basketball requires a lot of sprinting and jumping. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! Don’t discontinue dribbling until you have the chance to shoot or pass. You do not have many options after you stop dribbling.

Always stay low when playing defensively. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way. Stay in your defensive stance. When you have to break out of stance to block a shot, get back into form as quickly as possible.

TIP! The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. Basketball is played by a team.

Now you should know how to be a better basketball player. It is not a complicated game and a great form of exercise. It is easy to get into playing on a regular basis. Get out there and have a blast!