A good basic hand position has the fingers extended over the tone holes with the little fingers maintaining contact with the keys, preventing the other fingers from straying too far from the instrument. Finger technique should be smooth and accurate, without noisy pounding of the keys. It is far better to learn a difficult technical passage at a slow speed and move it up gradually than it is to play too fast too soon, causing some misplayed notes or other mistakes that will ultimately have to be unlearned. Also, playing slowly will expose unwanted sounds or notes such as the A natural that occurs between Ab and Bb. Work to achieve a smooth, precise key exchange, then increase the tempo.
Practice scales regularly to establish and maintain a strong technique.
Vary the articulations used by combining staccato, legato, and slurs. Watch the curve of the bocal when tonguing. If there is any movement, you are probably tonguing too hard. For more complete technical independence, practice the scales with varied articulations in thirds and fourths. Try to focus on the extreme high register of the bassoon because acquiring a facile technique in this range can be problematic.