TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Basketball is not just a game you play in gym class or intramural competition. It is a game that can be played in the neighborhood and even on your driveway. If shooting hoops is your thing, then you need to take some time out to read through the content that’s presented below.

TIP! You have to know how to bounce pass properly. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist.

Look forward when dribbling. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. You need to maintain good balance while shooting, which is sure to produce greater consistency.

TIP! Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

TIP! Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. Find out what they perceive as your best skill.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! You can do this by watching games in person and on television. You will quickly notice all the different skills that they have which makes them a great player, then take what you learned and use it to help improve your own game.

TIP! Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. This keeps it under control.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

TIP! To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily.

You need to be quick to play good basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. However, don’t try and push past your limits. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

Free Throws

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too. You have to practice time and time again. Just keep repeating free throws, if you want to perfect that technique. You’ll miss if you don’t have a good routine down.

TIP! Remain low when playing defense. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler.

A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This play gets your team possession of the ball and a foul against your opponent. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.

TIP! To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). At that point, both guards should move in for the trap.

Change your pace up to throw the offense off. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.

TIP! Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. Your forwards should then go cover the wing players. The guard on point should make a pass that can easily be stolen by the forwards.

TIP! Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. After dribbling is stopped, your choices are very limited.

Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited. Basically the only move you have at this point is to pivot while finding an opening to move the ball. You leave the ball vulnerable to possible steal attempts and yourself open to being double teamed.

TIP! Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. A good basketball team consists of players who understand that this is not an individual sport.

Mix up different shots from all over the court when you practice shooting. The first thing to do is work on balance and grip. You can shoot off balance, but it’s not very accurate. Use your basketball’s valve for perfecting your grip. Using your dominant hand, spread your fingers out and place your hand on top of the valve while making sure it’s centered.

TIP! Landing with a wide stance after catching a rebound will make it easier for you to retain you balance. Have your hands on both sides of the ball.

Whether for casual play, for competition, or just for a shoot around, improving your basketball skills will make it more fun to play. After reading this article, it is time to put these tips into practice. The more you know, the better player you’ll be.