TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring.

Basketball is a great sport and it’s easy to learn about. You can pick up the basics in a few short minutes. However, there are many advanced techniques that can be learned. Continue reading to learn the how you can become the best player.

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game.

Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.

TIP! You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Just remember it has to be fast and consistent. The reason is, this routine will put your body on alert that the next thing coming is a free throw. This will help insure your success.

TIP! Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court.

Look away when you practice passing. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team. Not only will they not see the pass coming, they may think a pass is going in the opposite direction. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles.

You need to mess with your opponent’s head. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. You should never let an opponent control what you do on the court. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.

Opposing Team

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting.

Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.

TIP! Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. You don’t need to be shoving the opponents, but you’re able to keep them away by using the arm that isn’t dribbling as a separator.

Perhaps you have been just began to play basketball before reading this great article. Perhaps the last time you played was when you were a child. Either way, this information improves your playing skills. Use this advice during your next game.