TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Do you feel like basketball could be a great game if you knew more about it? There are many people who feel the exact same way. Many people watch basketball and wonder how the pros are able to play the way they do. This article is packed with basketball tips.

Watch how the pros play basketball. Go to actual games or watch on TV. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.

TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. Learning how to catch these errant passes will put you at an advantage.

TIP! Practice your bounce pass. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you have not practiced enough on this scenario, you could run afoul of the scoreboard very fast.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

TIP! Quality footwork will help you get better shots. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

Play by yourself to practice. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. There’s nothing wrong with that. You can still practice when playing alone. You can practice many different techniques, such as your free throw routine. You can always find things to work on.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better.

A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. In order to play fast, you must practice drills. However, don’t try to be faster than you’re physically able to be. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and excessive turnovers.

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine.

To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily.

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. Don’t just think you can place yourself in one spot, wait for the ball then hoist up a shot. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.

TIP! Ensure that you have good court awareness. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen. This translates to simple layups, fast breaks or just a general increase in your team’s numbers.

Strength Training

TIP! Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As they grow and become teenagers, weight-lifting can be beneficial. When you’re an adult you have to be sure to do strength training to do well on the court.

TIP! You should keep the ball below the knees if you’re able to. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen.

To conclude, while you might like watching basketball, prior to reading this article you probably didn’t really understand it. However, after you’ve gathered additional knowledge about the game through this article, maybe you feel like getting out on the court and being a pro yourself. It’s time to plan a game, so you can utilize what you’ve just learned.