TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Avoid using your palm while dribbling.

Whether you play competitive basketball or pick-up games at the local gym, you can improve your game. Becoming a good basketball player requires lots of dedication and plenty of practice. Don’t stop reading just yet because the following article is going to provide you with a few important pieces of basketball advice.

TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play. This is just fine. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Practice pivoting or you can practice doing free throws. You can always find things to work on.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. That means their hips, lower back and abs.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. One area of focus should be to keep your shoulders aligned straight toward the hoop. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are 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. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.

TIP! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots.

Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.

Opposite Direction

TIP! Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. By looking in the opposite direction, your teammate has a few extra seconds to make the shot. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.

TIP! 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.

You should always bend your knees while dribbling. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. Just a little bending at the knees can make a huge difference in your overall ball control.

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot.

Make sure you stay in a constant rhythm until it is time to make your move. A consistent pace for your dribble will lull your opponent, and help you move more quickly than they do when the time comes. When they are focused on stealing the ball, your change in rhythm can really throw them off.

TIP! Until the moment you are prepared to shoot or pass, you must dribble constantly. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. Great basketball games happen when teams work together. If you know your team like the backs of your hands and you fully trust them, you should see your game really take off!

TIP! While you dribble, alternate your momentum from your left to right side. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice.

With the right information, playing basketball can be more fun! Keep reading other resources so you can build up your game skills. Get all of the advice you can so that you’re able to do your best.