No one would attempt to fix a car’s transmission without knowing how to do it. The same goes for working on your basketball skills. This article will teach you the basics so you can get up to speed on the game of basketball.

When you’re passing the ball, make sure that you pass the ball to the location of where the person should be headed. You don’t want your pass to be the reason a person needs to slow down or double back. Your pass should be aimed for a little bit in front of the person that you are passing to.

When you dribble a basketball, you are supposed to use your fingertips. Many people think you are supposed to use your palm, but this is incorrect. Using the tips of your fingers when you are dribbling the ball will result in you being able to dribble more in a shorter amount of time.

Correct dribbling is key. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Always look up and never look down at the ground.

Free throw practice is vitally important. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. Start with the ball ahead of your face. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Then, shoot the ball using the trajectory you pictured.

Try practice rebound drills that will help you learn to rebound outside your area in basketball. Great rebounders will try to get the ball no matter its location. Poor rebounders will remain still and watch the ball since they think they can’t reach it. To learn rebounding out of your area, run some drills that causes the ball to go far away from you. One way is to throw it off the back board and go after it.

Jump naturally when shooting the ball. Do not overjump or else you will throw the ball’s trajectory off course. Learn this technique by performing it in slow motion during your practice sessions. Jump vertically and do not release the ball until you are at the peak of your jump.

When you dribble, make sure that you use fingertips instead of palms. This gives you much more control over the ball. Using your palms can cause the ball to go all over the place on the court, whereas using your fingertips keeps it under your control when you have to run.

Improve your offensive game by mastering the shot fake. With this move, players think you are going to shoot the ball, so they will jump up. Don’t really shoot the ball yet; instead, use this opportunity to maneuver around them and take your shot. They will be caught off guard and won’t have a chance to defend you.

Fixing your car yourself will give you a great sense of pride. Ultimately, your realistic self knowledge will lead you to play an excellent game as a cooperative team member. Not only will you beginning more, but you’ll show your teammates how good you are.