TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Today is the day to learn about basketball. You’re a player, and you love the sport. Skills and talents can always be improved. Maybe you can learn something from this article. Read on to learn all new tips and tricks to improve your basketball game.

TIP! Constantly practice layups. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is what wins basketball games. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.

Bounce Pass

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

Make sure to practice catching passes. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Help your teammates by learning what you need to haul in those imperfect passes.

TIP! Understanding your opponent is a good way to shut him down on defense. Watch replays and follow scouting reports.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs. The core is what holds the body in balance and allows the limbs to work well. When your core muscles are strong, you become a more powerful force on the court. This means greater speed and higher jumping skills.

TIP! To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. Whatever you do before each shot, from dribbles to body motions, should be the same each time.

Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. If your teammate misses your signal, then they may miss the ball as well and the other team could gain possession.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Do you have an area where you excel? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

TIP! A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! Make sure your vision is good. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. The dominant shoulder must be perfectly aligned with the rim.

TIP! Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. Try to block the net by planting your foot hard.

If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move. Make aggressive plays. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. It’s important, then, to be aggressive and mess up their game rhythms.

TIP! When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. Doing so improves your reaction time with regards to your opponents’ actions.

In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. Continue training throughout the adult years to maintain a constant performance.

TIP! To see improvement in outside shooting skills, you must practice your shots hundreds of times daily from various points on the court. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot.

If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. School and the international standard lines are nearer than that. If you are able to make NBA-range three-point-shots, you will be able to find more open looks during your own games.

Stop Dribbling

TIP! When you know an opponent’s weak side, try to get them working mostly from that side. For instance, you could step toward a player on their right side to force them to switch to their left hand.

Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. If you stop dribbling, then you don’t really have that many options. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.

TIP! When you’re in possession of the ball you have to know when a shot should be made or a pass needs to be. It’s more important to get the ball to the person who can make the shot than try to take a shot that will certainly miss or be blocked.

Communicating with your teammates is a vital part of being a good basketball player. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. Everyone helps everyone else. Talk to your teammates when you need help, so that you’re all on the same page.

TIP! Try always focusing on the location the ball goes after it exits your teams’ hands or the opponents’ hands. Rebounds represent a crucial component of any basketball game.

Practice shots from all regions of the court. Start by practicing grip and balance. It is possible to succeed when shooting in an off-balance way, but the odds do suffer. The valve that’s on the basketball can be used to improve your grip. Spread your dominant hand’s fingers, and place the center of it over the valve that’s at the the ball’s center.

TIP! If the opposing team uses zone defense, try a penetrating dribble. Passing a defender with the ball causes the defenders to collapse inward.

You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. Regardless of your position, having this control allows you to limit the other player’s options. This enable you to make the choices on where you are going rather than letting them decide.

TIP! Know the weaknesses of your game. It’s important to be honest when it comes to your weaknesses.

Using these tips can renew your energy for playing on the court. Finding out more about basketball can prove to be helpful. Keep these tips in mind as you play the game. It is a great game to play and watch!