TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

One of the neat facts about basketball is that it is easy to learn. The fundamentals can be learned in a matter of minutes. Of course, if you desire to be more than a casual player, there’s a lot you can learn from this article.

TIP! Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. They are going with the flow when this occurs. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try a pass back! Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand.

Perfect your layup technique. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

Bounce Pass

TIP! When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

TIP! Basketball players must be fast. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game.

Work on catching passes frequently. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds.

Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. If you have not practiced enough on this scenario, you could run afoul of the scoreboard very fast.

TIP! Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. Did you spot something that could be improved? Evaluate what you see honestly, but don’t be too hard on yourself.

You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs.

Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent. No problem! You’ll still be able to get a lot done when playing solo. You can work on pivots and free throws. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. Hand signals can tell you if your teammate is ready. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

TIP! Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot.

A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. In addition to strength, stamina is key in basketball.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Stay low when playing defense. This helps your reaction time against your opponent.

To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Don’t let them get comfortable. An aggressive approach is an effective one for this purpose. Do not allow them to choose the plays that they make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

Maybe you are just starting out with basketball when you read this article. Perhaps you were good at basketball already. Whatever the case, all the information here is going to make you a better player. Use these tips when you are ready to play again.