TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

No one will try to fix a problem with their car’s engine without researching how it is done right. The same goes for working on your basketball skills. There are many useful tips in this article that will help your basketball game.

TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball 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.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. 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.

If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Some shooting guards that play professionally have such big arms that their field goal rate went down.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Even though having strong muscles is great for the inside game, being on the outside it can harm you when shooting the ball.

Need to dupe the opposition? The back pass is just the thing! If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Now, pull it behind your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. It’s a great way to trick your opposing team.

TIP! Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. That is okay. There’s still a lot that you can do playing on your own. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. You will want to keep extra attention on areas that could improve your position as well.

TIP! Never play through an injury on the court. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging.

Understand your opponent. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed.

Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. If you slide onto the baseline, you will lose the ball for being out of bounds.

Practice passing while not looking in the direction of the pass. You can really confuse your opponents this way. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

Free Throw

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot.

A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.

TIP! Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Make them uncomfortable.

To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. Doing so will allow you to get the rebound sans a foul.

TIP! Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. This will help you to find open teammates and keep an eye out for the defensive players.

TIP! An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position.

A powerful play called the trapping machine, is to have your guards wait for the point guard to come just past midcourt. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him. Concurrently, have forwards go to the wings. This will likely cause the point guard to make a high, short pass, which your forwards will steal quite easily.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve.

Make sure your team really meshes together off and on the court. When your team is of one accord, your game will be the best possible. If you know everyone on your team inside and out and you can trust each other completely, your game will improve exponentially.

TIP! When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. When you are rigid, the ball is not only hard to control, it is also an easier target for a rival to steal.

As you come down from catching a rebound, land with your legs spread wider than the span of your shoulders to increase your balance. Clasp your hands around the sides of the ball, and clutch it tightly to your chest. Keep your elbows under control so you don’t cause a foul by hitting someone.

Position yourself between the ball carrier and your opponent if they are bigger than you. That should make it difficult for the ball to be passed to them.

TIP! Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot.

After you understand the inner workers of an automobile, you’ll excellent. Find out how these useful tips can make you a better basketball player. Not only will you beginning more, but you’ll show your teammates how good you are.