TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. It seems easy to do but surely isn’t.

Dedication is key to becoming a better basketball player. Do you really want to be a good basketball player? The information presented here is sure to help you improve your game, no matter what level you play at now.

TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Dribble on the sides of your body instead of directly before you, and bounce it waist level. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.

TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Learn the best way to make your free throws. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality. Practice this technique regularly. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Your eyes should be on the goal. You should be thinking about the ball going in the hoop. Then throw the ball just as you had visualized.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. This must be done quickly to be successful. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

Successful Free Throws

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws. However, if you’re not in the right state of mind, you won’t succeed. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

TIP! Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. A core that’s solid and strong will allow you to use force that comes from your legs so you can jump higher and run faster.

TIP! To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! Remain low when playing defense. This helps you jump fast and react quickly.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! You can make the 2-3 zone a lot more dangerous by having two defenders stay in this zone until a point guard is beyond the time line. After he crosses the midcourt line, they should run and trap him.

Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Fingers should be the only point of contact as you pass or shoot the ball at its target.

TIP! Always bend the knees while dribbling. Standing straight makes it hard to control the ball.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. The moment you cease dribbling, you have given yourself very few options.

So, take the initiative and learn some new skills and start practicing and playing better today. You’re going to see improvement as you go on, so remember what you have learned, apply the tips, and keep practicing. The three step plan can help you succeed.