TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough.

It isn’t difficult to learn the fundamentals of basketball. You can learn the basics in several minutes. However, you can always learn new things if basketball is something you wish to be good at, and this article is here to help you.

TIP! One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

Learn proper dribbling. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try a pass back! Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Pull it behind you. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Footwork is the key to either of these.

TIP! When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. This means that if you shoot with your right hand, take off from your left foot.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

Playing Fast

TIP! To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. Don’t try playing fast until you can. By playing beyond your speed capabilities, you will quickly lose control of the ball, which will lead to bad passes, bad shots, and turnovers.

TIP! Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily.

To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. Practice makes perfect when shooting free throws. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.

TIP! Remain low when playing defense. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent.

Maybe you are now able to learn to play basketball after reading this. You may have started playing when you were a small child. Whatever the case, all the information here is going to make you a better player. Use these tips when you are ready to play again.