TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings.

Basketball is more than just an activity you run around in during gym class. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. Shooting hoops is lots of fun and the following article offers you great tips on how to better yourself.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Trick them using a back pass.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. This provides you with much more ball control. You should be dribbling the ball at your side instead of in front of your body. The ball should always be dribbled at waist level. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. It has to be done fast to be effective. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Do you have an area where you excel? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

TIP! When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.

TIP! Concentrate on your shoulders if you have gotten into a shooting slump. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail.

Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds.

Understand your opponent. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. Your defensive game will be a lot more effective after you get to know your opponent. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.

TIP! Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement.

Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.

Free Throws

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

TIP! Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance.

To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.

TIP! In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. Basketball is a team sport.

Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. If your opponent is playing you up close, stop what you’re doing and quickly look to find and open teammate to pass the ball to.

TIP! You need to practice many types of shots on the basketball court. The first thing you should do is practice your grip and balance.

If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. If you have been exercising regularly for years, it might be time to introduce weights into the mix. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! Create a team environment that is tough on the court and off of it. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well.

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. Bending your knees will make a big difference in the way you can control the ball.

TIP! Avoid double dribbling. To keep from double dribbling, simply refrain from starting to dribble a second time after you have already stopped dribbling once in that same possession.

Control the ball at a level that is below your knees. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you. You will have to bend a little to make this happen, but it will keep you moving down the court quickly, especially since you are thwarting everyone trying to get to you.

TIP! You will be more balanced when landing after catching a rebound if you will land with legs spaced wider than shoulder-width apart. Make sure that your hands are on both sides of the basketball, and that you hold it close to your chest.

To keep your opponent on their toes, keep your dribbling steady and regular, then surprise them. You can for instance suddenly speed up your dribbling to get past an opponent and get the edge you need for a shot. Changing the speed also changes the sound which can be off-putting.

TIP! Learn about your opponents so you can force them to play your game, not theirs. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand.

Bettering your game play is important if you love basketball. Now that you’ve read this article, go out there and put it to use. Knowledge is strength in every venue, including basketball.