TIP! When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings.

Basketball has been universally loved by the young and old for many years. There are many people that don’t know how to play. This article has tips that can help you improve your game and your appreciation for the sport.

TIP! You should often work on your layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Dribble as you walk to the market. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.

TIP! Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the recipient. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

TIP! For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists.

If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. A well developed core lets a player generate force with their legs to be applied to faster running and jumping higher.

TIP! Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

Quality footwork will help you get better shots. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. Once there, you have to firmly claim the area as your own. Each of these skills is reliant on good footwork.

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent.

If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Trying to be tough so you can keep going, even when you’re just a little uncomfortable, can make an injury worse. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.

TIP! Change your pace up to throw the offense off. While you run at the net, plant the front foot and start straightening your body.

Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Your palm should not be touching the ball. Only your fingers should touch it during a pass or when dribbling.

TIP! If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Never try though to get too fast that you can’t make any plays. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.

TIP! While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.

People from all backgrounds love basketball. In order to enjoy or play the game well, you’ll need some knowledge. This article can help you build your skills.