TIP! When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

Basketball is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone. Regardless of background, few people can resist the allure of basketball. Gather your friends and show them your new moves. What new skills do you mean? This article will teach you some great new moves!

TIP! Practice using different types of defenses. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

TIP! To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling.

Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

TIP! Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. Trying to play through the pain could just cause more damage. Don’t hesitate to see the doctor if you feel the injury warrants it.

TIP! Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Find out what they perceive as your best skill. Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it will increase your stride length and your speed.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.

TIP! One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot.

Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This should befuddle your opponent. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. It’s quite a play when done properly.

TIP! To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. All other distance lines, high school, college and International, are not as far.

To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. Eventually, your weak hand will be trained to dribble properly.

TIP! You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. To help you get even better, practice dribbling the ball and quickly pulling up for a shot.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

When you dribble, bend your knees. Standing straight makes it hard to control the ball. Your ball control will improve dramatically by simply bending a little at the knees.

TIP! Keep dribbling in the same rhythm, until finally you would like to throw the person guarding you off guard. Changing your pace can confuse them.

Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice. You might have a truly open court, but you might also be dealing with an onslaught of opposition. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. This will help get you out of jams quickly.

TIP! For example, a misfired shot launched from the corner of a basketball court usually hits the net, bounces off the site, and lands on the opposite side. Place yourself in position after this shot is made.

Be sure to be well acquainted with your team mates so that you can all work well in cooperation. Each team has multiple players on it. Offense and defense are not one-on-one. You must help one another out. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses with teammates so you know where you need improvement.

TIP! Double dribbling is not a habit you want to get into. Double dribbling occurs after a pause in dribbling.

You have to change the path of your opponent. Whether you are playing defense or offense, you must be capable of controlling the directions of opposing players. This opens up passing lanes and shooting chances when you’re on offense and can help create turnovers when you’re on defense.

TIP! When you come back down to earth from a rebound, try to land so that your legs are spread out wider than your shoulders to give your balance a boost. Keep your hands on either side of the ball and hold it tight to your chest.

If you’re guarding a taller person, try to keep your body between that opponent and the person with the ball. This keeps them from grabbing a pass and shooting over you.

TIP! When you shoot, do what you can to temper your nerves. Stay focused on the net.

Understand your own personal weaknesses. It is vital that you admit them to yourself. When fouls are your hangup, practice them frequently. If you play weak inside of the paint, focus on shots like your short shot, and train a little more vigorously. The very best basketball players are the ones who are well-rounded in all areas of the game.

TIP! To be very good at basketball you need to learn how to pivot. You must practice your footwork until pivoting correctly is second nature.

Now you can show your stuff off on the court. You might have gained some useful tips that your friends don’t even know about. Always remember that fun is the most importance concept in basketball. Remember that winning is its own reward.