Basketball is fun and a great competitive sport. If you’re looking to turn into a skilled basketball player, practice and be serious. Finish this article, because it has knowledge you can use.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Keeping the ball to your side will help it from getting in the way. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Defense can make or break a basketball game.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.

Free throws are mental as well as physical. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.

TIP! Free throws are mental as well as physical. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot.

Practice the skill of pass catching. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.

If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.

TIP! If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury.

If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.

Create a routine to improve your free throw success. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. Practice makes perfect when shooting free throws. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.

TIP! Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast.

Don’t leave your defensive stance. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Don’t let your feet get crossed and it will be hard to get around you.

Strength training can improve your game. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina. Even the youngest players need to have strong arms and legs. As they age, begin adding weights to their exercise routine. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

If you’re able to remember these things the next time you hit the court, you’ll have a lot more fun the next time you play. Learn as much as you can from videos and articles to enhance your skills. Keep this advice in mind and keep working hard.