TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

In basketball, every player, from least to best, has a lot to learn. Times change, and so does the game of basketball. You must always be ready to learn and stay updated. Do you want to be a good player? Continue on so you’re able to get ahead of the rest.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Go to actual games or watch on TV. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Try the back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. This should help to trick the other team.

TIP! If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. You can work on pivots and free throws. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.

TIP! Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting.

If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

TIP! Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

TIP! It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. In addition, stamina is important to the game, too.

Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. Mastering this movement gives you a big advantage on the court.

TIP! Your defenders need to wait for the point guard to make it 10′ ahead of the time line. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them.

Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. If you’re able to become more ambidextrous, you are going to be able to better control it on the court.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

TIP! One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal. Be aggressive as you execute your moves. Never let them control the game plays. You should never let an opponent control what you do on the court. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options.

Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your forearms and hands in order to maximize your ability to handle the ball. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Making a goal isn’t just standing there as the ball miraculously comes to you and then shooting it at the basket. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. Real game dribbling has a lot of variety.

The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you.

Now that you’ve read these tips, you should now much more confident about playing on the court. These tips were written to better your game. You should never stop learning new techniques and perfecting old ones. Get better and make sure you don’t forget what you just learned.