TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

Most people don’t try to do something unless they have taken their time to learn about it first. So how do you expect to turn into a good basketball player without learning the game? This article details many of the tips the experts use to make their game as good as it is.

TIP! It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. They improvise to do that. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can.

Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. 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! Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court.

Speed is everything in basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast. Fast play is a result of heavy drilling. But do not try to play faster than you are able. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. To get an advantage over an opposing player, you must have the quickest reactions.

Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

TIP! Build a consistent routine for your free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents. If you can pull it off, it’s effective to draw your opponents away from the shooter. That way the shooter gets a great look before shooting. You must practice this move with your teammates so that everyone on your team understands what is going on.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.

TIP! Take any opportunity to strengthen your weaker hand and build your skill by using it to brush your teeth or open jars. Being more dexterous means you will have better control.

Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Take them out of their own comfort zone. The more aggressive you are the better. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Make your moves first and end their patterns.

TIP! To help practice three-point shooting you should practice shooting at the NBA distance. Remember that high school, college and international standard lines are all shorter than the NBA distance.

Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. This drill can help you to have success with lay-ups during a fast break.

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed.

To trap someone in a 2-3 zone, get your guards to wait for the point guard to get about 10 feet past midcourt. They can then trap the point guard. It also lets you have forwards on blocks sprint to the wing players. This will likely cause the point guard to make a high, short pass, which your forwards will steal quite easily.

Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. You’ll find it becomes more controllable. Your basketball skills will benefit.

TIP! As you come off a rebound, come down with legs that are spread out wider than the broadness of your shoulders. This will increase your balance.

It is important that you remain in control of the ball despite which way your body is going. This will happen during games frequently. You’ll have people guarding you on all sides. Practice dribbling while leaning in many different directions. This will help get you out of jams quickly.

Double Dribbling

TIP! Always keep an eye on the basketball, whether it’s under control of your teammate or your opponent. Rebounds are terribly important to the game.

You don’t want to double dribble while on the court. If you start, stop and then begin again, that is double dribbling. When you’ve ceased dribbling, you can just shoot or pass the ball. You can’t just start dribbling again. Double dribbling means your team turns the ball over to the other team.

TIP! Know what areas you are weak in. Be completely honest with yourself.

Learning to improve things on your own initiative imparts a feeling of pride. Researching ways to bolster your basketball skills can do this as well. You will soon be winning every game and surprising those around you.