TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player.

The sport of basketball is beloved by men and women of all ages. Whether you’re watching it on TV, playing it with friends, or just playing it on your own in the driveway, basketball isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Nearly everyone that plays wishes to become a great player and win the game. Here are some great tips on how to take your game to an all new level and to score some winning points.

TIP! Interested in tricking your opponents? The back pass is just the thing! To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Pull it behind you.

Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Keeping the ball to your side will help it from getting in the way. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try the back pass. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

Shooting Slump

TIP! Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. Your shoulders should always be squared towards the hoop. Try to line your dominant shoulder up with the rim.

TIP! Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

TIP! A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team. If you’re doing it correctly you can fake your opponent out so he/she moves towards that direction and then you pass the ball to a wide open teammate for a shot. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance. If you find it difficult to continue using your weak hand, make your strong hand unusable. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

TIP! Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking. Making a goal isn’t just standing there as the ball miraculously comes to you and then shooting it at the basket. You have to be ready to move fast and change directions on a dime.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

Hopefully, now you understand what it takes to play better. A lot of them are easy as learning the techniques and practicing them. Practice is essential when it comes to just about anything, so you must be sure to have constant access to a hoop. No matter if you’re practicing with a group of friends or your team, the more chances you get to perfect your skills, the better you become as a player.