People of all ages have loved basketball for years. However, many people don’t know what involves really mastering the game. This article has tips that can help you improve your game and your appreciation for the sport.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. They are merely making up the play on the spot. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.

Bounce Pass

A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals.

Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Go to actual games or watch on TV. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. Moving either of your feet when setting a pick, screen, or even take a charge will result in a foul.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If you can master this move, it will give you quite the advantage when you are on the court.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.

Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. This will confuse your opponent into adjusting their stance. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.

TIP! A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it. That can make your game better.

Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. Bending your knees will make a big difference in the way you can control the ball.

Concentrate your ball-handling below knee level whenever possible. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you.

Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. Work on sprints to make you faster and build your stamina. You can build muscle to support your shots and ability to hustle by lifting weights and engaging in resistance training. This is also good for making you much more relaxed while you’re shooting the ball.

Control your nerves. Keep focused on the basket. Try training your eyes to go back towards the rim when shooting. However, if you’re trying to make a layup, you have to look at where you’re going to shoot the ball on the backboard so it bounces in.

When guarding a player who exceeds you in size, attempt to stay in between that player and the one with the ball. Keeping your body in position will prevent them from getting a pass or being in position to shoot.

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

Always pay attention to where the ball goes once your teammate or your opponent sends it out of their hands. A crucial part of the game is being able to rebound the ball. No matter how good you play defense, if you can’t grab that rebound then your opponent will keep getting another chance to score.

Build your passing game. Good passing helps beat your opponent. It also gets everyone on the team in the game. You will get time to show off your skills. It will come, so be patient and help others shine too.

If the opposing team uses zone defense, try a penetrating dribble. When you can pass a defender, the opposition will have to change their strategy. If you get yourself well into the paint, go for the shot. If you see a teammate that’s open, pass the ball out to them to make the easy shot.

TIP! When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This will confuse your opponents.

Basketball appeals to all types of different people. In order to enjoy or play the game well, you’ll need some knowledge. Remember these tips in order to improve your basketball game.