TIP! Learn to correctly dribble the ball. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

What should you learn about basketball? What can be done to help me to become better at the game while knowing how to appreciate what’s going on? This article will provide you with great tips that will come in handy the next time that you go to play a game of basketball.

TIP! You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist.

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. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the shops. Maintaining unbroken visual contact with the ball makes it difficult to be aware of your surroundings.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs.

Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. This term refers to switching the hand you use. The action must be very swift if it is to be successful. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

You should often work on your layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. Whenever you practice, approach the goal full speed, jump and take a smooth shot. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better.

A bounce pass is essential to learn. It needs to get to the player at their waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. Although, there will be other circumstances that are involved too.

Core Muscles

TIP! If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles. The core links together all of the extremities and if it isn’t strong, they will be dealing with a limited athletic ability. A strong core helps you jump higher and run faster.

TIP! Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player.

Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot.

Work on core strength when you work out. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.

TIP! In order to improve your weaker hand, make use of it for everyday things, such as brushing your teeth, eating out of a spoon, etc. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

Passing between the legs is something that helps when you have defense all over you. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. If you can master this move, it will give you quite the advantage when you are on the court.

TIP! When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball.

Good footwork can really help you to get those rebounds. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball. Then you gain the ball without the foul.

TIP! Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. All the while, push ahead hard then run past them.

TIP! Don’t cease dribbling until you get ready to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited.

Do you understand what it takes now? Do you think you can now apply this knowledge on the court? Do you think this article has helped you figure out how to be a more effective basketball player? Continue to practice and use the above advice and enjoy the outcome.