TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

During basketball season, basketball consumes the lives of players and fans alike. One way to satisfy your fans is to keep them cheering. You’re a contributor as a teammate, so be sure you practice; go hard! Follow these tips to learn how to play basketball effectively and become an important member of your team.

TIP! Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! Work on catching passes frequently. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes.

Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Next, place the ball behind you. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. Focus on hips, lower back and abs. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

TIP! Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop.

Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.

TIP! Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. If you get this down, you will have a major advantage on the court.

TIP! Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition. This will give the person that you passed the ball to a chance to make their move before your opponent can correct from their mix up. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone. Execute aggressive moves. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Make your moves first and end their patterns.

TIP! Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up.

To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.

TIP! If possible, keep action beneath the knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you.

When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team. This can make for good psychological warfare.

TIP! Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, while running sprints will help you with fast-paced moves.

Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard is sure to anticipate a slow-down and will then straighten their own body. Once that happens, switch tactics and move forward. You should go right past them.

TIP! Make sure your dribble is consistent until you decide to shake up the opposing player. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot.

Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. If your knees are not bent, the basketball will be more difficult to control. A bit of a bend will boost your control.

TIP! If a shooter is located at a corner, their missed attempt is likely to waft to the opposite side. If that happens, you can guess the place where it will go and manage to get the rebound.

Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited. If you decide not to shoot or pass, all you can do is pivot on your rear foot. This causes you to be wide open to some double teaming by the other team and increase your chances of having the ball stolen.

TIP! You should be have ways to alter the path your opponent is planning on taking. It does not matter if you are on offense or defense, being able to control where the opposing player goes is very important.

Use the non-dribbling hand to create a buffer between the ball and your opposition. You can’t push with that arm, but it can serve as an obstacle that helps keep your opponent from reaching in. Keep is slightly up as you dribble with your other hand.

TIP! When you come back down to earth from a rebound, try to land so that your legs are spread out wider than your shoulders to give your balance a boost. Clasp your hands around the sides of the ball, and clutch it tightly to your chest.

Regardless of your skill level, there is always room for improvement. Better playing skills lead to a more skilled team which will bring even more fans. Every single participant plays a role, from those on the court to those sitting in the stands. That’s how this article can help. Make it a priority to become the kind of teammate you would want to have.