Want To Be The Best Basketball Player? Take A Look At These Suggestions!

Even the best basketball player does not know everything about the sport. The sport is evolving, which means that even after you've become an expert, there's more to learn. Do you want to become better? Continue on so you're able to get ahead of the rest.

Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. Some passes may be too high, too low or off target, so you should practice receiving passes often. Cover for your teammates' errant passes by developing the hands to cover their mistakes.

You have to know how to bounce pass properly. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. 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 other things to keep in mind, though.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. 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. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. That will ensure that it doesn't get away from you as you hold it. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. 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. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports. Know which team members are right handed and which ones are left handed. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.

If you've developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn't matter how great you are the shot isn't going to go in. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. Just remember it has to be fast and consistent. The reason is, this routine will put your body on alert that the next thing coming is a free throw. This will help insure your success.

If you use these tips, you will feel a revived energy when you play the game. Learning can be fun, especially if you love what you are learning. Keep these tips in mind to help you get better at basketball than you ever imagined. Basketball is a great sport to play.