TIP! Correct dribbling is key. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Basketball is exciting and fast-paced; of course people love it. There are a few important things to keep in mind when playing ball. Read these tips to turn your weaknesses into strengths and be the best player possible.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player.

Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Defense is what stands between you and a win. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! Practice your layup shot often. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball.

Learn proper dribbling. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Always look upwards, never at the ground.

TIP! Practice your bounce pass. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense. This is simply an improvised move. Consider proper balance when you shoot, and eventually you’ll consistently make baskets.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Know your strengths and practice them until you have perfected them.

TIP! Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

It is important that you practice layups. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

Free Throw

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials.

Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You must train both your body and your mind. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage.

Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

Core Muscles

TIP! Have your games taped so you can play them back later and observe your court presence. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This may seem quite difficult at first, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have great speed and stride length.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another. You can avoid this by using hand signals if a player is able to take a pass. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.

TIP! Be sure your vision is unobstructed. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes.

Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

As you can see, people around the world love basketball. This article has helped to show that continual learning is a part of really excelling at the sport. Use what you’ve learned here to become the basketball player you want to be.