TIP! Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

Well it’s time to learn about some basketball. You are a player; you love the game. However, you cannot know everything there is to know about basketball, and all good players are aware of that fact. With that knowledge in mind, you are likely to be taught a tip or two that you did not know before. Continue to read to see how this information can improve your game.

TIP! If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. This gives you the best ball control. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.

TIP! Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. Practicing your running and jumping as a single motion will improve your technique faster than practicing them separately.

Free Throw

TIP! Never play through an injury when playing basketball. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common.

Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. During a game, not all of your passes will hit the mark. So you should do the team a favor by knowing how to take in any kind of a pass that comes from someone.

TIP! You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.

TIP! Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Pay attention to open areas for passes, too.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! Until the moment you are prepared to shoot or pass, you must dribble constantly. You are limited once you cease dribbling.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. This will help you use that hand more easily and improve your dribbling with that hand.

TIP! Keep the ball below knee level if possible. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster. That means there is less time for the other side to grab it. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! Be sure to be well acquainted with your team mates so that you can all work well in cooperation. Basketball requires a team.

If you wish to shoot on the outside better you should work on shooting hundreds of times every day from a lot of places on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot. Look at your target while you’re in the air, but not before that. You will increase your level of accuracy and create an experience closer to real game play.

TIP! Work on taking shots from various on-court locations. Start by practicing grip and balance.

Using these tips can bring renewed energy and excitement to your game. Learning to do something new and excelling at it is one of the best feelings you can have. Keep these tips in mind as you practice and play. Enjoy yourself while playing, basketball is truly the best sport!