TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

If you want to excel in basketball, you know that you need to be dedicated and practice a lot. Even if you’re only playing fun, don’t you want to play well? This article is sure to offer you advice on how you can improve your game.

TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more. Always have a basketball handy. Dribble while walking to the store. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket.

You should often work on your layups. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you.

Would you like to pull one over on the other team? Try the back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. This should help to trick the other team.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? You should try a back pass. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. When you find out what they think, you may learn a lot.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Focus on hips, lower back and abs.

Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Know the dominant hand of every player. When you know your opponent, you will be better able to play an effective defensive game. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.

TIP! Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

TIP! If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! Practice looking the other way when passing. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot.

Be sly on your soles to catch rebounds from free-throws your own team members are making. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction. Slip past him, and you can get the ball. Then you gain the ball without the foul.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up.

If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.

TIP! Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina.

An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.

TIP! To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

When you are defending, keep your stance low. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. Always stay in the proper stance on defense. If you need to block the opposing team’s shot, resume your stance as soon as you can.

TIP! An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control. This will start to appear in the game of basketball, too.

TIP! Practice dribbling by switching momentum. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling.

You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand. Just keep it raised a little while you dribble with your dribbling hand.

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. Basketball involves playing on a team.

Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, while running sprints will help you with fast-paced moves. Resistance training or lifting weights will increase muscle strength and shooting abilities. You will develop a confidence and attitude that you make you a better shooter.

TIP! Your diet plays a major role in your health and success on the basketball court. You need to eat carbs, fats and protein on game days.

Improve your game now by following the advice in this article. Keep these tips in mind and practice steadily to improve bit by bit. This will lead you on your way to success!