TIP! Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

Basketball isn’t very complex, but it is a lot of fun. The best teams are those that recognize the unique talents and abilities of every player. If you’re looking for ways to improve your skills, this article can help in that pursuit.

TIP! Proper balance is essential when shooting. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

One good way to learn good passing is drill often without dribbling. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! Frequent pass catching practice is important. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? The back pass is perfect for this. Hold the ball using your dominant hand.

You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Pay attention to dominant hands. When you know some of the other player’s moves, you’ll have a leg up during a game as you’ll be able to predict what he is going to do. One of the most important keys to being a solid defender is an understanding of your opponent.

TIP! Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Give your hips, buttocks, back and stomach a workout. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. Moving either of your feet when setting a pick, screen, or even take a charge will result in a foul.

TIP! You need to be quick to play good basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage.

Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Did you spot something that could be improved? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.

Free Throws

TIP! Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal.

To help you shoot better free throws you need to come up with a consistent routine. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! Keep low as you defend. This will aid you as you jump and make it easier to react to the front man.

The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Try to interrupt their game plan by taking charge and controlling the tempo.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap.

Anyone who plays basketball wants to get better. After reading the tips located above, you should know what areas you should be working on. Review the article again when needed, but keep practicing to improve.