TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

Basketball is simply not something to just play while in gym. It is possible to play basketball at a sports center, the park, or even at home. If you are an aspiring basketball players, it would be a good idea to read this article to learn some new skills.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling. This helps you to control the ball better. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Don’t look down, always look up.

TIP! A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best.

Perfect your free throw. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Try using this technique in practicing. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Use visualization to imagine the goal occurring. Then repeat that when you take the shot.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Dribble while walking to the store. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Pay attention to how they play.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court.

Want to trick the other team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. Then you will use your wrist and flip it in the direction you want the ball to be going. It can be a dangerous maneuver that catches the other team off guard.

TIP! Take a charge if you can. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. You’ll still be able to get a lot done when playing solo. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. You can always work on something.

TIP! Change your pace up to throw the offense off. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! You can really up your performance on the court by doing strength training. In order to be the best you can at basketball, you need to be strong and hardy.

One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.

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

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game.

Workout to increase flexibility and strength in your hands and forearms. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. By mixing up your regular dribbling rhythm with a faster pace, you will throw your opponent off guard, perhaps leaving you with an open shot or pass.

Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent. This can throw off the opposing team and mess up their rhythm.

TIP! If someone shoots from the corner of the basketball court and misses, it will bounce over the net onto the opposite side. Anticipate where the ball lands and grab the rebound.

Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! Whether you keep possession of the ball or not is based in your position just before and right after a rebound. Use both feet to jump for the ball, then hold on with both of your hands.

No matter if you’re playing competitive basketball or just a friendly game of horse, improving your basketball skill-set can make the game much more enjoyable. Now that you have read these tips, it is time to take the next step and make use of them. The more you learn, the more you can enjoy playing and watching basketball.