TIP! Want to trick the other team? The back pass is just the thing! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. Now hold the ball behind you.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a great basketball player, you will have seen that it takes a lot of practice and dedication. Even when playing for fun, you would like to play well, right? By following the tips here, you can improve your game.

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. You retain much more ball control this way. Be sure to dribble beside your body instead of in front of yourself. Bounce the ball at a level even with your waist. Look up and never down at the ground.

TIP! Build hand signals so passes are more successful. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. 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. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

TIP! Understand your opponent. Pay attention to how they play.

Make sure that your regular practice includes catching of passes. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. You can do the rest of your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.

TIP! Basketball players must be fast. Always stay ahead of the opposition.

Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Find out what they perceive as your best skill. Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it. Avoid putting your palm on the ball, too. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent.

If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.

TIP! It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina.

You need to be quick to play good basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. In order to play fast, you must practice drills. Make sure you never play past the speed you are comfortable. You will not be able to control your moves if you play faster than you are able to.

TIP! When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path.

Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Look at how you did and judge yourself. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

Free Throw

TIP! Practice shots from all regions of the court. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice.

High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! Your diet is key to being a better player. When you play on a regular basis, you have to load up on carbs to get energy, and you also need proteins and fat.

Start using the techniques and tips the next time you play a game of basketball. You’ll start to notice improvement in small increments as you start to apply these tips. Use the three steps as detailed and you will be on the road to success.