TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers.

Do you enjoy basketball but feel like you’re behind on knowing all about it? A lot of people don’t fully understand the sport. Lots of folks watch basketball games and marvel at what the professionals can do. Read on to find out some pro tips that you can use.

TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult.

If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Try a back pass. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.

TIP! In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot.

If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. When shooting or passing the ball, only your fingers should contact the ball.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. This gives you an unfettered view of how you actually performed on the court, rather than relying solely on your memory of the game.

TIP! If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This throws your opponents off. 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. This play can be very powerful.

TIP! Stay low when you play defense. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler.

To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. Doing this lets you maintain balance and movement towards the goal, while keeping your body in between your defender and your shot.

TIP! While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well.

You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Be aggressive in the moves you execute. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. If don’t play aggressively, you opponent will run you down. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.

TIP! To better your outdoor shooting skills, take about a hundred shots every day from various places on the court. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.

TIP! Try using your non-dribbling hand like a barrier between the ball and your opponent. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it.

Do not release your defensive stance. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.

TIP! The best way to become a better player is to talk to your teammates and know what they are going to be doing. Basketball is considered a team sport.

Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Stay in a defensive stance. If you break the stance to shot-block, then recover the proper form immediately after the pass or shot.

TIP! Practice all kinds of shots from various spots on the court. Start by practicing grip and balance.

The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. Basketball is not an individual sport. Neither defense nor offense is a one-on-one matter. Instead, all players help and support one another. Talk to your teammates when you need help, so that you’re all on the same page.

TIP! When someone misses a corner shot, you can bet the ball bounces across the court. If so, you should be able to guess its next location and move to get the rebound.

In conclusion, you may enjoy basketball and just didn’t know much about it before you read this. Now that you finished reading it, you can take what you learned, and play more like the professionals. Get started playing basketball with this advice.