It isn’t difficult to learn the fundamentals of basketball. The basics can be picked up in just a few minutes. But, you can always stand to gain some additional knowledge, and this piece is here to help.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

It is important to stay focused during the game. If you miss a shot, brush it off and continue with the game. Although you may feel bad about missing a shot, it is important to regain your focus quickly and continue on. Remember that even the professionals miss shots.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Relax, take your time and be focused.

Work on flexibility. Flexibility is very important during basketball. This is because you may have to stretch to grab a ball that is in the air. Additionally, increased flexibility helps protect your tendons and joints from the damage caused during this fast playing sport. Do flexibility exercises often and always stretch before beginning any game.

Always remember that to be a great basketball player, you’ve got to be a great athlete first. Put as much time into conditioning your body and increasing your endurance as you do shooting and passing. This will improve your play under even the most excruciating circumstances, making you an invaluable team member.

When a teammate passes you the ball, make the most out of it. If you have an open shot, go ahead and shoot. If you do not have an open shot or think that you can get open, do the right thing and pass it along to another teammate. They may have the shot that you don’t.

Shoot at least a hundred free throws every day. Not only does this make you a better free throw shooter, but it helps all your shooting. You can step on a court any day of the week familiar with the sight and sound of you putting the ball in the goal. This gives you serious mental confidence, regardless of how or where you actually shoot.

Keep your hands active. Use a deflective hand high to block shots and intercept passes. Use a ball hand low to block low passes and try to poke the ball away from your opponent. Always swipe your hand up when playing the ball. Swiping down at the ball could result in a foul.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Keep an eye open for easy shots.

Perhaps you have been just began to play basketball before reading this great article. Or, perhaps you have been on the court since a young age. Whatever the case may be, you should be able to use what you’ve learned here so you can do better at basketball. Use this information the very next time you play.