TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

Basketball isn’t just a sport played in gym or organized leagues. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. If you love basketball, read the following tips to help you become a better ball player.

TIP! Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. It needs to get to the player at their waist.

While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are won because of good defense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

TIP! Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed.

Practice shooting free throws. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do. Use this technique to better your game. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. This all depends on many factors.

TIP! If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds.

You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

TIP! Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. Do you see anything you could do differently? Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic.

You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Never let them control the game plays. This will give your opponent the advantage. Rather, you make the initial move and break up their flow.

TIP! Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs.

To increase your three-point shooting skill, shoot from where the NBA players range. School and the international standard lines are nearer than that. If you’re able to get the shot from where the NBA shoots, then you can start working from a range further than the defense expects.

TIP! A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Don’t let them get comfortable.

Practice shooting hundreds of shots during each training, and you quickly improve shooting skills. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot. Be sure you look at the target as you’re in mid air. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.

TIP! In order to improve your weaker hand, make use of it for everyday things, such as brushing your teeth, eating out of a spoon, etc. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing.

Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. This keeps your opponent from being able to steal the ball. Keep it slightly up when you dribble with your opposite hand.

TIP! Avoid dribbling above your knees. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low.

Understanding your teammates is a vital part of basketball. Basketball is considered a team sport. It is not a one-on-one game. Everyone helps everyone else. If you believe others can help you improve, let them know. The result benefits you and your entire team.

TIP! The best way to become a better player is to talk to your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. Each team has multiple players on it.

Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage. Both the change in speed and sound will confound the player who is guarding you.

TIP! Practice all kinds of shots from various spots on the court. The first thing to do is to practice on your balance and your grip.

A missed corner shot will usually end up on the opposite side of the basketball court. If that happens, you can guess the place where it will go and manage to get the rebound.

TIP! A missed corner shot will usually end up on the opposite side of the basketball court. If this is the case, you need to guess where it will end up and catch the rebound as a result.

Build your team in and out of the basketball court. When your team is of one accord, your game will be the best possible. When you feel like your team is part of your family, you have mutual trust. This bond will bring your game to new levels.

TIP! Part of being a great basketball player is knowing when it is time to give the ball to someone else. It’s much better being a piece in your team’s winning shot than being the one player with the shot that costs your team the game.

After a rebound has occurred, the spot where you are positioned will dictate whether possession is retained. Use both feet when jumping; this improves both height and control. Once you have the basketball, land with wide feet that will help you keep your balance.

TIP! Being a good passer is key to being a good basketball player. Passing keeps your opponent guessing and on their toes.

Practice your pivoting skills to improve your performance on the court. Having excellent footwork through repetition in practice allows you to develop a nice pivot that becomes second nature in a game. Practice by standing in a pivoting stance until the ball is thrown to you.

TIP! If you want to be an excellent basketball player, you have to learn to pivot. Practice often so you do not have to think about pivoting during a game.

Whether for casual play, for competition, or just for a shoot around, improving your basketball skills will make it more fun to play. After reading this article, it is time to implement the tips. The more you learn, the more you can enjoy playing and watching basketball.