TIP! Dribble the ball correctly. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

What is the best information to know when learning about basketball? What information will learn the ins and outs of the game so I can be the player I want to be? Reading these tips gives a quality information base when it comes to playing basketball.

TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard.

It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play. The offense gets lots of attention, but if the defense is lacking no basketball team will ever win a game.

TIP! When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! Practice playing by yourself. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. If you continue playing, you could make the injury even worse. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.

TIP! Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back.

Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed.

Speed is everything in the sport of basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.

TIP! A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent.

Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. Look at how you did and judge yourself. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

TIP! Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. Don’t dilly dally, but do complete your ritual.

Free Throw

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots.

In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.

TIP! Continuously dribble the ball until you have an opening to pass it to one of your teammates, or you are prepared to shoot. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! Practice dribbling by switching momentum. During the game, you will dribble in various situations.

Workout to increase flexibility and strength in your hands and forearms. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.

TIP! Keep all motion below the knees if possible. This is going to make things harder for your opponents if they want to steal the ball.

Have you had all of your questions answered? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Can you handle becoming an even better basketball player as a result of reading this article? Go forward, start practicing, implement these tips and find the great rewards you will get as a result.