TIP! It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

What is there to learn about basketball? What sorts of skills must you learn to enhance both your performance and your enjoyment of the game? Reading these tips gives a quality information base when it comes to playing basketball.

TIP! One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. Using your fingertips provides you with more control. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

Free Throw

TIP! Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

Find out how to make free throw shots. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Then, shoot the ball using the trajectory you pictured.

TIP! Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot.

Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. This term refers to switching the hand you use. This must be done quickly to be successful. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Refine this skill by bouncing a ball with force between the legs while stepping backwards or forwards.

Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.

TIP! Be slick with your feet so you can get a rebound from a teammate. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball.

If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. The key to this relies on having good footwork.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride.

Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.

TIP! When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. Not only will they not see the pass coming, they may think a pass is going in the opposite direction. It’s quite a play when done properly.

TIP! An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position.

Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.

TIP! Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. While you run at the net, plant the front foot and start straightening your body.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

TIP! In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball.

Have you found the answers you seek? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Can you deal with becoming a better basketball player thanks to this article? Apply the advice from this article the next time you are on the court and watch how your game improves!