TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. You need to use the tips of your fingers rather than your hand’s palm when you are dribbling.

Basketball has been around for decades; it is both fun and invigorating. If you are interested in the game, you must have the proper skills and the right mindset. Reading this entire article can help you obtain the basketball knowledge that you need, so keep reading.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Try using a back pass! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. Next, pull the ball behind your back. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This helps trick your opponents.

Core Muscles

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly.

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. Your performance is going to be sub-par if you don’t have strengthened core muscles. A strong core helps you jump higher and run faster.

TIP! Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

TIP! A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court.

Quickness is a virtue in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. Don’t attempt to play more quickly than your skills allow. If you play beyond your speed, the game gets out of control, with errant passes and turnovers.

TIP! You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Get them outside their comfort zone. Stay aggressive. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. You should never let an opponent control what you do on the court. It’s important, then, to be aggressive and mess up their game rhythms.

TIP! When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot.

You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball.

Defensive players need to stay low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. You must always utilize the proper defensive stance. When you must break from your stance in order to block shots, make sure to return to form right away.

TIP! Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides.

To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot. Look at the target when you’re airborne and not a moment before. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.

TIP! Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back.

Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. If you stop, you limit your options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you will have just stand there pivoting. You leave the ball vulnerable to possible steal attempts and yourself open to being double teamed.

TIP! You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. Being more dexterous means you will have better control.

Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you. This also allows you to cover large distances across the court, which makes it difficult for opposing players o block you.

TIP! If it is possible, keep all action below the knee. This is going to make things harder for your opponents if they want to steal the ball.

Make sure you stay in a constant rhythm until it is time to make your move. Changing your pace quickly can take the other player by surprise and give you an advantage. It’s not just about going fast, it’s about changing the sound so the person gets a little confused.

TIP! The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. Never push your opponent away because that ends up in a foul, but lightly use your other hand to keep separation between the ball and your opponent.

What you eat can affect how you play. To play with great frequency, you will need a large amount of carbs combined with a bit of fat and protein. You should eat more lean sources of protein, fruits and vegetables. Limit your consumption of salt and sugar.

TIP! Exercise off the court. Running, both sprints and long distance, can help your game.

You need to be able to alter your opponents path. No matter what position you play, the ability to control other players is essential. This will allow you to determine the outcome of the game.

TIP! Always know the angles the ball is likely to take if it misses a goal. In this situation, you must anticipate the path of the ball to gain possession of the rebound.

Keep yourself calm when shooting the ball. Keep focused on the goal. The rim’s back should be a focus when shooting. If you are trying a lay-up, focus on the specific backboard region you use for teh bank.

Stand between the person with the ball and the one you are supposed to be guarding. This will limit their ability to pass the ball.

TIP! When in possession of the ball, you need to grasp when it is wise to shoot and when you ought to pass. It’s better to work with others to get a good shot than if you’re someone who ruins a game due to a poor shot.

When you use these tips, you will have more fun when playing basketball. Keep researching online and in print to keep up on the latest and greatest in basketball tips. Keep all this information in mind to become better.