On a scale of 1 to 10, how much would you say you know about basketball? Whether you said 1, 10 or somewhere in between, the great thing about basketball is there is always something to learn. Continue reading to find out some helpful advice about improving your basketball game.

When you rebound in basketball, make sure you make contact before your opponent.
You’ll be in control of what occurs if you are the first to make contact when boxing out. Hit them first before they get a chance to make contact with you so that you can get leverage. Be sure to anticipate and be sure you’re always first. This will provide you with an edge.

If you feel you’ve been spending too much time on the the bench, ask your basketball coach what you can do to help the team the next time you are in practice. Hang on every word he or she says. This will demonstrate your intense interest in helping the team win by improving your own play and should get you more game time!

When shooting, always arc the shot, never throw straight. You have a much better chance of making your baskets when there is an arc on your shots. If you do not know how much arc to put into your shooting, find one that works best for you during practice and try to consistently produce the same arc during games.

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.

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.

If you are the parent of a young up and coming basketball player, make sure the coach you trust them with isn’t too obsessed about winning. Although this may sound counterproductive, it’s actually more important that your son or daughter be encouraged thoughtfully and with care, rather than screamed at and threatened. Check out the reputation of any coach first.

You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Additionally, the palm of your hand should not come into contact with the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

If you are going to get rebounds in basketball, it is important to get between the person you are guarding and the basket. Then back up against that person and start moving him away from the basket. This way, if he tries to go through you or over you to get the rebound, he has to foul you.

To stay hydrated while playing basketball outside on a hot day, make sure you drink plenty of water or sports drink before you head outside, and take a bottle with you. When you sweat, you not only lose water, but you lose electrolytes and sodium. Sports drinks like Powerade help you replace those and keep your edge on the basketball court.

Do you feel like you could get better by using these tips on the court? Well, it’s time to put them to the test. Take what you’re learned about, and see how it betters your basketball game. You might just surprise yourself, and who knows, you could be the next star.