TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Basketball is something that tons of people worldwide enjoy. One can turn basketball into their profession or just play it for fun in the park. Check out the helpful advice below for some great information on the sport of basketball.

Practice your defense more than your offense. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Dribble while walking to the store. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. When done correctly, the crossover dribble help you to change direction in order to move down the court efficiently.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

TIP! Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Make use of the back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Now, pull it behind your back. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

TIP! Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse.

You need to be quick to play good basketball. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. Though, you should never attempt to a play faster game than your abilities permit. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.

TIP! Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies.

You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for 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! You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! Dribbling hard helps you protect 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.

Make sure your vision is good. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. If you scan the entire court, not just the location of the ball, it is possible to anticipate defense moves in advance and see which teammates are open.

TIP! Don’t leave your defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other.

If you want to stay in a good defensive position, simply avoid breaking out of your defensive stance. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Don’t cross your feet and no one will get around you.

Strength Training

TIP! Work on your 3 point shot by shooting from the established NBA distance. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance.

Strength training can improve your game. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As players mature, weight training can begin. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.

TIP! Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. This will happen during games frequently.

Now you should know how to get into basketball even more. It’s no cake walk, but basketball isn’t rocket science, either. You can succeed with information and dedication. It is easy to get into playing on a regular basis. Go out there and enjoy yourself!