TIP! 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.

Men, women, and children across the globe are enamored of basketball. It is so easy that people of all ages can enjoy it. Basketball teaches you cooperation and sportsmanship. If you want to be the best player you can, then keep reading for tips.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Always look up and never look down at the ground.

TIP! If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.

Work on pass catches. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! You can learn to trick the opposing team. Make use of the back pass.

Do you want to fool the other team? The back pass is perfect for this. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Pull it behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This will trick your opponents.

TIP! If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals.

Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. Footwork is the key to either of these.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured.

Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. What areas are your strong points? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. They will probably notice the things you do best.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists.

Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. This will help you to find open teammates and keep an eye out for the defensive players.

Strength Training

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

Basketball players need to engage in strength training. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball. Even little kids who play basketball will develop more overall body strength. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. When you’re an adult you have to be sure to do strength training to do well on the court.

TIP! Strength training can improve your game. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player.

If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. All the other lines are closer. If you can hit from NBA range, you can get open looks at a deeper range than a defense is probably going to mind you (until you start hitting).

TIP! You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it.

Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass the ball. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options. If you choose against passing or shooting, you are stuck pivoting in place. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. The line in every other league is closer.

Your diet is key to being a better player. In order to be skilled at basketball you need to load up on carbs to give yourself plenty of energy. Improve your game through improving your diet. Good choices include chicken, whole wheat, peanut butter, and other nut based foods. Salts and sugars shouldn’t be used that often.

TIP! Practice dribbling as you sway your body from side to side. This will happen during games frequently.

Make strong team environments off and on the court. You will be amazed at the difference in the level of your team’s play when everyone is on the same page. If you know your team members intimately and everyone trusts each other, your game will be seriously enhanced.

TIP! Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. When a basketball team gels fully, their game can reach entirely new heights.

Landing with a wide stance after catching a rebound will make it easier for you to retain you balance. Make sure that your hands are on both sides of the basketball, and that you hold it close to your chest. Don’t let your elbows poke another player or you will gain a foul.

TIP! You need to be able to alter your opponents path. This is an ability you need on both defense and offense, since you get to control where your opponent goes in either case.

Make passing an important element of your game. Good passing helps beat your opponent. It also shows you value teamwork and this will be appreciated by your teammates. The time will come for you to share your individual abilities. You aren’t the only one playing the game.

TIP! Focus on the ball whenever it leaves any players hands. You cannot win a basketball game without rebounds.

What makes basketball so popular? That’s because it’s fun and easy to learn to play. If you love the game of basketball, then the ideas and advice within this article should prove useful to you. Use these tips to become a great player.