TIP! If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games.

Basketball is a generally beloved and fun sport. Still, it is a difficult sport to master. Basketball is a sport that anyone can have fun with. The article below will give you some valuable tips to make playing this sport more fun.

TIP! Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed.

Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. This action most be quick to work out. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

Bounce Pass

TIP! If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential.

Watch how the pros play basketball. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured.

Never practice only against the zone. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.

TIP! If your shooting is in a slump, take a look at your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! Speed is everything in basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket. A simple hand gesture can let your teammate know you’re ready for the pass. If the signal is not used, then the pass should not be made to that player.

TIP! Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often. Trying to tough it out and keep playing, even if you are experiencing discomfort, can exacerbate an injury even more. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

TIP! Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position.

When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. Don’t dilly dally, but do complete your ritual.

TIP! While you’re dribbling the basketball it is wise to bend your knees. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team.

Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine. Don’t ever believe you’re going to be able to stand still, receive a pass and take a shot. The ball should always be in control and moving.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. If you stop, you limit your options.

Now are you prepared to take on the game and show off your skills? Utilizing the tips in this article can make you a better overall player. Get motivated, get energized and get excited; then, show your stuff on the basketball court. You’ll soon realize you’re a much better player by using these tips.