TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand.

If being a basketball player is something you want to do, you have to work hard at it and practice a lot. Even when playing for fun, you would like to play well, right? The following article can help you with your basketball aspirations, whatever they may be.

TIP! Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. They are merely making up the play on the spot. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Play by yourself to practice. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. There’s nothing wrong with that. You can still do a lot on your own. Work on free throws or three pointers. You can always hone your skills when practicing alone.

TIP! Practice your pass catching often. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. This can be prevented through the use of hand signals. No signal, no pass.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it.

Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.

TIP! When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

TIP! Create a routine to improve your free throw success. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent.

Practice dribbling with both hands, dribble on both sides of your body and learn to dribble in front of you while taking large strides. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

Make sure your vision is good. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. Being aware of the entire court will help you to better anticipate who will move where.

TIP! Keep low when you play defense. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you.

Now, you can take some action by using the tips and tricks this article has given you to do. If you use the above advice, you are sure to see a positive shift in your game. Having a three step plan is sure to lead you to success.