TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play.

When you are thinking about how you can get better at basketball, the thing of most importance is to practice. Nonetheless, technique is also important. Practicing poor technique will not help you. The tips here are going to help you get the ball into the net every time.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

TIP! When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They’re just improvising at this point. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.

TIP! Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Can you get better at something? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court.

Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. There are other variables to consider though.

Basketball Players

TIP! Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition.

If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds.

If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.

TIP! Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

TIP! Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

Free Throw

TIP! The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

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

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up.

Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you.

Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. By doing this, you can increase your chance to get the rebound despite starting in a disadvantageous position.

TIP! To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently.

Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. Your opponent will assume you are slowing up, and thus will also straighten up. When they do, push ahead hard and outrun them.

TIP! Practice making shots from a lot of different places on the court. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice.

Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. When you stop, your options are limited. Aside from using your back foot to pivot, you have very little freedom. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.

TIP! You should try to remain calm while you are shooting. It’s important to focus.

Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. During game time, you’ll find yourself dribbling from all sorts of positions. You might have a truly open court, but you might also be dealing with an onslaught of opposition. You’ll need to learn how to dribble while your body is leaning in different directions. This will help you maneuver around trouble.

TIP! The best way to get through a zone defense is to penetrate with a controlled dribble. Getting past a defender will cause the opposing team to change how they are playing.

Regardless of your ability, by using the advice above you are sure to see improvement. Try one tip and see how much your game improves. You can play much better basketball by using the tips provided.