TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

For decades, people have enjoyed basketball. It allows people to compete but have fun at the same time. If you’re looking to turn into a skilled basketball player, practice and be serious. When you continue reading, you will learn some priceless information.

TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

Practice catching passes as often as you can. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.

TIP! A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. This helps to develop passing skills with your teammates, making it much more difficult if you’re standing in one spot and not dribbling.

Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you.

Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Do you do something really good? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This gives you better control of the ball. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster.

In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Know which team members are right handed and which ones are left handed. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot.

Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

TIP! If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body 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 need to mess with your opponent’s head. Don’t let them get comfortable. Use aggression with your moves. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. If you let them, they’ll totally take the control from you. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.

TIP! Avoid dribbling above your knees. The other team’s players will have a difficult time stealing the basketball from you.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, it is time to pass the ball.

TIP! A missed corner shot will usually end up on the opposite side of the basketball court. Positioning yourself on the opposite side of the basket will increase your chances of getting the rebound.

Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! When you are coming back down from a caught rebound widen your stance. This will help to increase your overall balance.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.

TIP! When you know an opponent’s weak side, try to get them working mostly from that side. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand.

To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). Then they should run to the point guard and trap him. Then, have the forwards on blocks run to the wing players. The point guard will make a pass that forwards can steal.

TIP! Make sure that you are not stressed when shooting. Concentrate on the basket.

If you wish to get your weaker hand built up, you need to use it to brush your teeth and to do other simple tasks. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing. This will show in your next match.

TIP! If you’re in possession of the ball, learn when you should be passing the ball to a player with a better shot and when you should be taking the shot yourself. You don’t want to be the player that cost your team the game due to your selfishness.

By using these insights and applying them to your own performance, you will create a stronger, more enjoyable team. Put in the necessary time to read additional articles, and watch videos. Keep learning more than just this article. Take what you need and leave the rest. Practice diligently to improve your game.