TIP! Correct dribbling is key. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm.

Practice is of the utmost importance if you are intent on improving your game. However, it is of utmost importance that you make sure you are practicing correctly. Use these tips to take your game to levels you never though possible before. You can do it.

TIP! Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist.

Pay attention to what you are good at. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

Should you receive an injury during the course of the game, never try to continue playing despite the pain. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. If you keep playing when you are injured, you could end up with an injury which keeps you from ever playing again. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.

TIP! Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Give your hips, buttocks, back and stomach a workout. To help get even quicker and have better footwork you can jump rope.

TIP! Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

TIP! Practice passing while not looking in the direction of the pass. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking.

To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

TIP! The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.

TIP! Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This causes the ball to return to your hand more quickly, so the offense has less time to try to get it away from you. When someone is right on top of you, pass the ball instead of dribbling.

TIP! To make your shooting skills better, shoot from all around the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots.

Become a better basketball player even if you know how to play. Take it one step at a time to help you improve your game. You can play much better basketball by using the tips provided.