TIP! It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Basketball is all the rage in this world. But, excelling at the game is not simple. Genetics, athleticism and practice may make you a star, but everyone can enjoy a game of b-ball. Read this article to learn more about the great sport of basketball.

TIP! Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.

TIP! Make sure to practice catching passes. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes.

Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. Of course, there are also other factors involved.

TIP! Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

TIP! If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. Avoid playing faster than your abilities allow. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! 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.

It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! Don’t leave your defensive stance. Slide sideways and use your back foot to push off in order to maintain the defensive stance in stride.

Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. This play can be very powerful.

Free Throws

TIP! To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate. You can shoot better free throws by making sure you use the same exact routine every time, and of course practice. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense.

You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. Doing so will allow you to get the rebound sans a foul.

TIP! Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. During a game, you’ll be dribbling in all kinds of situations.

Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. If you scan the entire court instead of keeping your eye on the basketball, you will be aware of oncoming defensive pressure as well as the positions of your open teammates.

TIP! A missed corner shot will usually end up on the opposite side of the basketball court. If so, you should be able to guess its next location and move to get the rebound.

Are you now ready to show off your skills? You better learn those moves first. Take all the excitement you have for the sport to lace up your shoes and start improving your game. You’ll soon realize you’re a much better player by using these tips.