TIP! Dribble properly. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

Basketball is exciting to watch but it is much more fun to play. Not everyone knows how to play basketball well, however. This article can help you no matter what skill level you are at with basketball.

TIP! Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist.

Practice shooting free throws. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate. Practice constantly using this tip. Start out by holding the basketball right in front of you. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Then, use the trajectory you just visualized and shoot the ball.

TIP! When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.

One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. 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.

Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in.

Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.

TIP! Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Did you spot something that could be improved? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

Never play through an injury on the court. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. If you keep playing when you are injured, you could end up with an injury which keeps you from ever playing again. Anytime you have a serious injury, you should seek medical attention.

TIP! In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent.

Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Your palm should touch the ball as little as possible. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard.

To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. Then they need to get to the guard on point to trap him.

Basketball is appealing to people of all types. You have to have the right information to truly enjoy and play the game, though. Use these tips to become an even better basketball player.