TIP! When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense.

Basketball is more than just something you play in intramural sports or in your P.E. class. You could have fun playing at a park or in your driveway. If you love basketball, read the following tips to help you become a better ball player.

TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Balance is essential to shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it.

Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Whether you are passing or shooting the ball, your fingers are the only part of your hand that should be touching the ball.

TIP! Free throws require as much mental focus as 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.

When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately.

If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Don’t dilly dally, but do complete your ritual.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Curling your wrists also help you improve your own dribbling.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. It’s quite a play when done properly.

Free Throws

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

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

TIP! When you have the chance, take charge. Taking charges gives you an opportunity to get defensive stops, get the ball and lay the groundwork for fouls.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

Ball Handling

TIP! To better your outdoor shooting skills, take about a hundred shots every day from various places on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot.

A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

TIP! The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. Each team has multiple players on it.

Keep low as you defend. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Be in the correct defensive stance all the time. When rebounding or blocking, you break the stance, but then you must get back in the stance quickly.

TIP! If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. When you play on a regular basis, you have to load up on carbs to get energy, and you also need proteins and fat.

No matter what kind of basketball you play, you will enjoy it more with more skills. Now that you’ve read this article, go out there and put it to use. Your playing style will improve with the more knowledge that you learn.