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

Basketball is enjoyed around the world. In order to play as a team and win the game, each player has a certain function that they perform. When you want to better those skills, read on.

TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one. If order for the maneuver to be a success, it has to be performed with speed. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Look forward when dribbling. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough.

Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. 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. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos.

One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

TIP! You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it. Keep your palm off the ball too. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. You must move the ball to have things happen.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements.

Always bend the knees while dribbling. If your knees are not bent, the basketball will be more difficult to control. You only need to bend your knees slightly to improve your control of the basketball.

TIP! In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily.

Try using your non-dribbling hand like a barrier between the ball and your opponent. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand.

Make sure your off-court exercise is appropriate to help your on-court game. Sprints helps with individual plays, and long-distance running gives you stamina. Build up your core muscles and the strength in your forearms. The aggression and confidence you get from this can also assist you more than most things if you’re shooting.

TIP! Keep the ball below knee level if possible. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you.

Make sure you practice shooting all over the court. Work on your grip and balance first. It is possible to make a shot when your balance is off, but it is a lot less likely. You can use your basketball’s valve to improve grip. Keep your dominant hand spread out, and place the palm on top of the valve; this is the basketball’s center.

TIP! Do off court exercises that will improve your game on the court. You could, for instance, work on your sprint so you can perform plays faster, while running on a longer distance will help you build your stamina.

If a shot is taken from the corner and missed, the ball typically ends up across the court from the player. Pay attention to this as you prepare for a rebound.

TIP! Be sure to be well acquainted with your team mates so that you can all work well in cooperation. Basketball is nothing if not a team sport.

Be sure to practice good teamwork on the court and off. Basketball is a sport that goes so much further when a team truly connects. If you’re able to figure out who your teammates are and you can trust them as well, then you’ll be able to take your game up a notch.

TIP! If you’re serious about your game, you should take your diet seriously. When you play on a regular basis, you have to load up on carbs to get energy, and you also need proteins and fat.

After catching a ball that has rebounded, land on your feet, spreading legs wider than your shoulders in order to get greater balance. Your hands must be positioned on both sides of the ball, and the ball must be held tightly against your chest. Watch your elbows since hitting an opposing player is a foul.

Basketball Player

TIP! If you already know that the ball handler has a weak side, try to force the use of it. If it is their left hand, come at them and stand on your left foot.

If you are a basketball player, you know how important it is to be a well-rounded athlete. Now that you have read the article above, you ought to know what it takes to become a better basketball player. Read over the above info again if you need to, but keep using the tips you read so you’re able to do better.