Not even the best basketball player knows absolutely everything about the game. The sport changes with the times, and you have to keep up. Would you like to have a competitive edge? Continue on so you’re able to get ahead of the rest.

You need good balance when you shoot. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. Those who do this are improvising. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

Bounce Pass

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. There are many factors which come into play, though.

TIP! Dribble the ball correctly. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.

TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet.

Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Fingers should be the only point of contact as you pass or shoot the ball at its target.

Work on core strength when you work out. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

These tips should give you some food for thought at your next game or practice. These tips were written to better your game. Just keep learning and practicing to stay at the top of your game. Get better and make sure you don’t forget what you just learned.