TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

It is so easy to learn basic basketball. That’s probably why it is so popular. The basic strategies of the game can be acquired in a few minutes time. Of course, if you desire to be more than a casual player, there’s a lot you can learn from this article.

TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! You should practice your crossovers a lot. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling.

You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. 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.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This helps to maintain balance throughout your body and allows you to use yourself as a barrier between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail.

Take every charge you can. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.

TIP! What do your teammates admire about your skills? Can they tell you what you’re really good at? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Basketball requires a lot of sprinting and jumping. As the teenage years approach, weights can be used for even greater impact. Playing as an adult, it is important that you focus on your stamina for optimal performance.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler. Stay in your defensive stance. When you must break from your stance in order to block shots, make sure to return to form right away.

Defending Guards

TIP! Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal.

To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard to trap him in place. With the forwards blocking outside, you have a good shot at intercepting a bad pass. Your point guard must then launch a pass in a way that is easy for your forwards to steal.

TIP! Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.

Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. If you decide that you cannot shoot or pass the ball, all you can do is pivot onto the back foot. This makes you open up to people that want to double team you and that means you are also more likely to get the ball stolen.

TIP! Ensure that you have good court awareness. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

Practice dribbling as you sway your body from side to side. You’re going to be dribbling in many different conditions during a game. It would be great if you are always able to go full speed ahead, but more times than not you will need to move and flow with the defense in front of you. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. This can help you find your way out of trouble.

TIP! If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent.

It is important to eat well if you want to be in tip-top basketball shape. Basketball uses a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to fuel your body with lean protein and whole grains. Good additions to your daily diet include whole grain bread, lean chicken and nuts. Stay away from salt and sugar.

TIP! Keep your knees loose when you dribble the ball. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal.

It is necessary for you to change the path of your opponent. Whether you are playing offense or defense, it is important to control the moves of your opponent. It also allows you to have the freedom to move to an increasingly powerful position.

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

For the best balance, make sure you land with your feet spread apart. Hold the ball tightly against your chest with one hand on each side. Be mindful of your elbows, since hitting an opponent with them is a foul.

TIP! Keep your dribbling consistent until the time you want to confuse your opponent. You can for instance suddenly speed up your dribbling to get past an opponent and get the edge you need for a shot.

Your should have good position both before and after a rebound to assure you keep the ball. Use both feet to jump for the ball, then hold on with both of your hands. After rebounding, land with wide feet to keep your balance, and clutch the ball to your chest.

TIP! Be sure to practice shooting from a variety of spots on the court. First, practice your balance and grip.

Try to force your opponent to rely on their non-dominant hand. If the opponent is left-handed, make the right side your dominant side so that they can’t use their dominant side. Make your head parallel to their chest to be sure that you have your body low and get prepared to go for the ball.

TIP! If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. If you want to have plenty of energy to play, you should take in plenty of complex carbohydrates, healthy fats and lean sources of protein.

Have an idea as to when is the best time to shoot the ball and when is the ideal time to pass if your teammate has an open shot. It’s more important to get the ball to the person who can make the shot than try to take a shot that will certainly miss or be blocked.

TIP! Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. Basketball is one of those games that goes to another level when a team gels completely.

Maybe you are new to basketball. You may have started playing when you were a small child. Either way, this information improves your playing skills. Use this information the very next time you play.