TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

Your first game of basketball was likely an amazing, exciting new experience. You probably learned how to dribble the ball and make a shot. Today, you are probably a lot more confident. The tips here are going to help you realize you can still learn.

TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Always have a basketball handy. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. If you look your ball, you can’t see the court.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Once you start to get to know the other team, you can do a lot better when you’re on defense. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

Core Muscles

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with.

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. You should get a good workout in your hips, buttocks, back and abs. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.

TIP! Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. When the shoulders are wrongly positioned, your shot is unlikely to succeed. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. The dominant shoulder needs to be lined up with the rim.

TIP! When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong.

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. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

Ball Handling

TIP! Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking. Don’t just think you can place yourself in one spot, wait for the ball then hoist up a shot. The ball should always be in control and moving.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up.

In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap.

Be sure that your site is good. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard. Peripheral vision is important during game play. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

TIP! You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

There is no limit to your success when you use these tips. Practice, run drills and play often. When you add the tips and use them in your game, you’ll see the results you have always wanted.