TIP! Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

A thorough understanding of basketball makes it more fun for spectators and players alike. Understand how points are earned. Don’t worry. Basketball is a very simple game that is very enjoyable. You can find some useful information that will enhance your game as a player and a spectator.

TIP! Crossovers are key for ball handlers. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player.

Learn proper dribbling. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Always look upwards, never at the ground.

TIP! Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in.

Practice your passes and catches frequently. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised.

Practice basketball in season and out of season. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful. That is okay. You can still do a lot on your own. Work on free throws or three pointers. You can always practice.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles.

Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.

TIP! Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level.

You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Once you have a solid idea of your opponent, you can dial in on the best way to defend. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

TIP! Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage.

Work on core strength when you work out. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! The best free throws come as a result of routine. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand.

You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball. This helps you avoid the foul call and also grab the rebound.

TIP! If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable.

Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride. That translates to smooth layups during fast breaks.

TIP! You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. This will make the ball come back to you faster, and the opponent will have a hard time to get it from you.

That was a lot easier than you thought it would be, wasn’t it! Once you start playing, you will see exactly how much fun you can have. Use what you have learned here to play a better game or have a better time being a spectator.