TIP! Correct dribbling is key. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

As far as basketball goes, the best players don’t even know everything about the sport. It is especially tough when you consider that the game of basketball is constantly evolving. Would you like to have a competitive edge? Continue reading so that you can learn new things that may give you an edge.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. They are professionals, and they are able to improvise successfully. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist.

Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. You can avoid this by using hand signals if a player is able to take a pass. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Consider the back pass. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.

TIP! Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs.

Quickness is a key skill in basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast. It takes steady drilling to play fast. However, don’t try and push past your limits. If you play beyond your speed, the game gets out of control, with errant passes and turnovers.

TIP! One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. Whatever you do before each shot, from dribbles to body motions, should be the same each time. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

TIP! The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand. Doing this lets you maintain balance and movement towards the goal, while keeping your body in between your defender and your shot.

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass.

Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.

TIP! Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements.

To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.

TIP! If you wish to dribble the ball better, you have to start using your hand that’s considered the weak one. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders.

Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice. If you master this, you will be able to quickly take layups.

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable.

Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand. This may completely break the competition down.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball.

A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Never cross your feet and your opponents will find you a difficult player.

TIP! Defensive players need to stay low. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you.

We hope that you will approach your next basketball game with confidence thanks to the tips presented here. We have chosen them specifically to help you become a better player. Never give up on the learning process and stay committed to regular practice. Keep these tips in mind as you begin to enhance and sharpen your basketball skills.