TIP! Figure out how to perfect your free throw. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

Basketball is a generally beloved and fun sport. However, it’s not always easy to become a good player. While genetics and being athletic may help you to do a little better, anyone can be good at basketball. Read this article to learn more about the great sport of basketball.

Perfect Passes

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. You’ll be helping out your team a great deal if you can catch their not so perfect passes.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Do you do something particularly well? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Do you do something particularly well? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

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 can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip.

One of the most vital attributes one needs to play basketball is quickness. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.

TIP! Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. In addition, moving one foot while working on setting a screen or pick will produce a foul.

TIP! Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call.

If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.

TIP! You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine.

Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard.

To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. Stop dribbling when people guard you too closely.

TIP! When you have the chance, take charge. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back.

Defensive players need to stay low. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. Maintain your proper defensive stance no matter what. You may have to break your stance if you must block a shot, but return as fast as you can.

TIP! To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.

TIP! To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball.

The only way to gain skill in outside shooting is to make over 100 practice shots every day from various spots on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot. Avoid looking at your target until you are in the air. This way, you will be ready for the rapid pace of game play.

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

Do you want to show off your skills? You might want to spend some time practicing first! Get pumped and get out into the game! In no time at all, your skills we be noticeably stronger as a result of this advice.