The happiness that basketball brings to so many is really quite amazing. Many people don’t know all that there is to know about this game. Read on and learn about what makes basketball a great sport.

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Don’t use your palm to dribble.

It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. When you dribble, use the fingertips, not the palm. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Be sure to dribble beside your body instead of in front of yourself. Bounce the ball at a level even with your waist. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. Dribble as you walk to the market. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

TIP! Practice layups often. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

You must have good balance to shoot well. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They are professionals, and they are able to improvise successfully. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Find out what they perceive as your best skill. They may say you’re fast or that you share well. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.

TIP! Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This should befuddle your opponent. By looking in the opposite direction, your teammate has a few extra seconds to make the shot. It can be quite powerful.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Don’t just think you’re able to stand around, catch the ball and then shoot it. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep.

Basketball can be a great sport for play and for being a fan. To get the most out of the game, it is best to learn as much as you can. Use what you learned here to keep you at the top of the game.