TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Avoid using your palm while dribbling.

Do you like basketball, but don’t understand all there is to know about it? You’re not the first person that has felt this way! Having a guideline to the game can make basketball more enjoyable for you. This article is going to teach you some of the things that the pros know.

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Go to actual games or watch on TV. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player.

Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. The stronger your core, the higher you will jump.

TIP! As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles.

Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.

TIP! Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Practice this by bouncing the ball hard between your legs as you take a step forward or back.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. The dominant shoulder must be perfectly aligned with the rim.

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off.

Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. Also, you can cause a turnover if you walk without dribbling the ball. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.

TIP! To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance.

Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. You can use this information to improve your game. 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! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed.

The tips you’ve just read can elevate you from a casual enthusiast to an effective basketball player. Now that you’ve read this compilation of tips, however, you’re ready to act like a pro. So get out there and start working on your game so you can put this advice to use.