TIP! Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling.

You probably felt like you entered an alternate universe the first time you played basketball. There were so many different things to learn about the game. Today, you may feel like you know it all and are a master of the game. The following article will show you that you still have much to learn.

TIP! Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. Be sure to dribble beside your body instead of in front of yourself. Bounce the ball at a level even with your waist. Look up and never down at the ground.

Paying Attention

TIP! 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.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Dribble as you walk down the street. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

TIP! Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This is when you switch hands while dribbling. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

TIP! Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling.

Improving your balance means improving your shots. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. They improvise to do that. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.

TIP! You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice.

To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! Make sure your vision is good. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.

TIP! Don’t leave your defensive stance. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. In addition to strength, stamina is key in basketball.

If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap.

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Curling your wrists also help you improve your own dribbling. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. After dribbling is stopped, your choices are very limited.

There is no limit to your success when you use these tips. Practice, run drills and play often. Combining your strategy with these tips can really have you improving very quickly!