TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. Use fingertips to dribble.

The key to mastering the game of basketball is practice. You shouldn’t be practicing things you do wrong, though. The tips that follow here are going to allow you to make your goals more often and teach you other things as well.

TIP! Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.

You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. Start out by holding the basketball right in front of you. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Next, take your shot seeing the ball move in the trajectory you envisaged for it.

Crossover Dribble

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another.

If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. If order for the maneuver to be a success, it has to be performed with speed. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

TIP! Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports.

Shooting has much to do with proper balance. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.

TIP! Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

TIP! Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off.

Would you like to fool the opposing team? Consider the back pass. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. This will trick your opponents.

Core Muscles

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. Building strong core muscles will allow your to jump higher, run faster and maintain your balance.

TIP! Good footwork can really help you to get those rebounds. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball.

Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. Your palm should touch the ball as little as possible. You should only let the fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal.

If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! You should ensure that you can clearly see. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard.

To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team.

No matter your basketball experience, this article is going to help your game. Try one tip at a time and you are sure to see improvement in your game. You will become a better passer, rebounder and shooter.