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.

The delight and enjoyment countless people get from playing and watching basketball cannot be overstated. There is so much to learn about basketball, though. Keep reading for some awesome advice that most any basketball player or fan can use.

TIP! When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover.

Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. This gives you the best ball control. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality. Practice this technique regularly. Hold the ball level with your face. There may be a number of distractions so you need to focus on your goal. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

You need good balance when you shoot. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique. They’re just improvising at this point. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. 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. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

Play by yourself to practice. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. That is okay. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You can always find things to practice.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. They will probably notice the things you do best. They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left.

If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. The dominant shoulder needs to be aligned correctly with the rim.

TIP! To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

TIP! You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Don’t get yourself down about your performance, but stay honest with yourself concerning where your game needs some work. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

TIP! It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! Defensive players need to stay low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier.

Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight.

To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. Stop dribbling when people guard you too closely.

TIP! To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer.

Basketball is great as a mode of exercise as well as a fun spectator pastime. But, if you really want to make the most of the game, then it helps to know something about the game. Hopefully, this article has provided you with the tools to become a great basketball player.