TIP! Dribble the ball correctly. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

Basketball has been around for decades; it is both fun and invigorating. If you are going to play basketball, start by having some serious practice drills. Go over this article to improve your knowledge to help further your understanding of the game.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Look up and never down at the ground.

TIP! A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Keep dribbling the ball even while you’re doing your errands. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! Never try to push through pain after an injury. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common.

Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. It has to be done fast to be effective. When done properly, crossover dribbling is a great way to quickly switch direction or move around the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports.

It is important that you practice layups. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

Free Throw

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. This is perfectly acceptable. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.

TIP! Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. To improve even more, practice preparing for a shot quickly after dribbling the ball.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. They will probably notice the things you do best. Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

TIP! Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! Stay in communication with your teammates. Basketball is a team sport.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

TIP! If basketball is something you wish to pursue seriously, your diet should reflect that. In order to be skilled at basketball you need to load up on carbs to give yourself plenty of energy.

In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.

TIP! Anticipate where the ball will go. For instance, corner shots usually bounce off the rim, ending up on the opposite side.

By learning important tips and taking them to the practice court, eventually you will see how much better you get at this game. Keep researching online and in print to keep up on the latest and greatest in basketball tips. Keep this advice in mind and keep working hard.