Basketball is adored worldwide. Each player has a different set of skills. Learn to improve your skills by reading the following tips.

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand.

Make sure to practice catching passes. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. When a game is underway, not every throw will be perfect. So you should do the team a favor by knowing how to take in any kind of a pass that comes from someone.

TIP! You should often work on your layups. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball.

Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.

TIP! Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team. If you’re doing it correctly you can fake your opponent out so he/she moves towards that direction and then you pass the ball to a wide open teammate for a shot. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? The back pass is just the thing! Hold the basketball with your writing hand. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.

TIP! Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around.

Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen. It will allow you to execute easy layups.

Strength Training

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength. Even young children can benefit from strength training. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. When they become adults, strength training is critical to maintaining solid court performance.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Pay attention to how they play.

Dribble rhythmically until you are ready to throw your opponent’s guarding capabilities into disarray. A consistent dribbling broken up by a fast paced dribble can surprise your opponent and give you a major edge for a shot. Both the change in speed and sound will confound the player who is guarding you.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball.

Practice shots from all regions of the court. Practice your grip and proper balance. You’re much more accurate if you are balanced well. You can use your basketball’s valve to improve grip. Spread your fingers, and place your dominant hand over the area where the valve is located.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Double dribbling is a major rule, and something that must always be avoided. This occurs when you halt the dribble once, only to begin dribbling immediately thereafter. When you’ve ceased dribbling, you can just shoot or pass the ball. You cannot start dribbling again. That is also referred to as a turnover, and the ref will call it for your opponent.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move.

As you come down from catching a rebound, land with your legs spread wider than the span of your shoulders to increase your balance. Place your hands on both sides of the basketball while holding it close against your chest. Be careful with your elbows as hitting someone on the other team will be a foul.

TIP! You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge.

The position you take just before and just after getting a rebound will play a large role in whether you can retain possession. Jump with both of your feet to have more balance and power and then get the ball gripped with both of your hands. Once you grab the ball, spread your feet out wide as you land to help maintain balance while also keeping the ball tight to your chest.

TIP! Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

Most basketball players seek to enhance their techniques so they play a better game. After you’ve read the article above, you should know more on how to better your own game. Re-read the piece when necessary, but continue practicing the tips provided.