TIP! Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough.

Are you interested in basketball but just aren’t sure of where to begin with it? You’re not the only one! Few people know what it takes to shoot, pass, and block like professional players. Keep reading to discover great tips that the pros use.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Use fingertips to dribble. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Look up and never down at the ground.

TIP! If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles.

You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Practice regularly and employe the technique that follows. Start by holding your ball before your face. Concentrate on the basket and visualize the basketball going in. Shoot on the same path you saw in your mind’s eye.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket.

Balance is essential to shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. They are merely making up the play on the spot. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

TIP! One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Watch as many games on TV as you can. You’ll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.

TIP! Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. That should not matter. There’s still a lot that you can do playing on your own. Work on free throws or three pointers. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game.

If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. See a physician if you think your injury is serious.

TIP! When you are passing the ball, get used to looking in the other direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it.

Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. 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! Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. The line in every other league is closer.

It can help you when you pass through your legs. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

TIP! To better your outdoor shooting skills, take about a hundred shots every day from various places on the court. Try dribbling a little and pull up for your shot.

You likely didn’t know much about basketball previously. Now you are ready to stick a foot in and take on a game yourself. Therefore, take this advice with you, go out and play a game!