TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling.

Even the NBA’s best players don’t know everything there is to know about basketball. The sport is evolving, which means that even after you’ve become an expert, there’s more to learn. Learn to get the upper-hand of your competition. Continue reading to gain the edge that you need to succeed.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! Do not only practice zone defense plays. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

You must have good balance to shoot well. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. Those who do this are improvising. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Make use of the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Next, pull the ball behind your back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

Practice basketball in season and out of season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. This is perfectly acceptable. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. There are always things that can be done.

TIP! Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. Inconsistency does not make a better shot.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt. Trying to play through the pain could just cause more damage. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Don’t let them get comfortable.

Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually.

The sound advice above should give you the confidence you have been trying to achieve. You need all the information you can get to get and stay on top. Never stop learning and always keep practicing. Take your basketball prowess a step above, and use what you’ve just learned along the way.