TIP! Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion.

Well here is your chance to learn more about basketball. Maybe you play basketball and you adore this sport. Nonetheless, you can’t know everything there is to know. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn. This article helps you learn a few things. Read on to see if there’s anything that can better your game.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. This should be something you do quickly. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Try doing a back pass! To start, grab the ball using your good hand. Now hold the ball behind you. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will trick your opponents.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own. That should not matter. There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. There are many things you can work on.

TIP! To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. After he crosses the midcourt line, they should run and trap him.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Plant your feet and own that spot. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Bend the knees when you dribble a basketball. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.

TIP! If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot.

Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent. You can actually force yourself to utilize your weak hand by tying your other hand behind you. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. Basketball is not an individual sport.

As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. Then you gain the ball without the foul.

TIP! If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. Complex carbohydrates and protein will give you energy to ensure that you get through a long, fast-paced basketball game.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.

TIP! Double dribbling is a major rule, and something that must always be avoided. This occurs whenever you resume dribbling after a brief pause.

While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. If your knees are not bent, the basketball will be more difficult to control. Bending your knees will make a big difference in the way you can control the ball.

TIP! Try to force your opponent to rely on their non-dominant hand. Use your body position to make the opponent move in a direction that is not as strong.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling. If you can’t shoot or pass, then you will have to pivot with your back foot. The chances of the ball being stolen is high, and you might be double teamed as well.

TIP! Try to remain calm when shooting. The basket should be the your main focus.

Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. You must know how to dribble the ball no matter what your body is doing. This will help you maneuver around trouble.

TIP! Always pay attention to where the ball goes once your teammate or your opponent sends it out of their hands. Rebounding will help you win the game.

Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. For example, you can improve individual plays with sprinting. You can improve overall game performance and endurance with long distance running. Lift weights to build your power. If you can develop your confidence through off-court exercise, this can even help your shooting.

TIP! If you want to be an excellent basketball player, you have to learn to pivot. You must practice footwork so you can pivot without a thought and never become confused or entangled.

Part of being a great basketball player is knowing when it is time to give the ball to someone else. Instead of hogging the ball and losing the game when you fail to make the shot, be a team player and pass it off to the player who has the better chance to make the winning shot.

TIP! What’s your weakness? Don’t lie to yourself. If you’re constantly missing foul shots, try practicing these more than three pointers.

The best way to get through a zone defense is to penetrate with a controlled dribble. Getting by a defender and into the lane will cause the defending team to either shift or collapse on the ball. If you are close enough, take the shot. If the penetration opens up another player, slide the ball their way for an easier shot if you haven’t got one.

TIP! Be sure to give your footwork plenty of practice. You should know foot placement for playing different positions and for pivoting.

For players with advanced skills, the act of dribbling is a mental and physical ability. You must gain control of the ball’s position, the force of the dribble and how it spins. Constantly move your body and change your momentum to throw off a defender.

TIP! Put pressure on your opponent but don’t simply run from one player with the ball to another player with the ball. This will end up leaving your man open.

Using these tips can bring renewed energy and excitement to your game. Learning all you can will always make the game better. Keep these tips in mind as you play the game. Enjoy yourself while playing, basketball is truly the best sport!