TIP! When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

Basketball is played all over the world, and it’s a fun game. Every player that gets into the game uses various skills so that they’re able to win the game. If you’re here to get educated on how you can become a better basketball player then continue to the article below.

TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what stands between you and a win. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

TIP! Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Carry your basketball everywhere. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Practice your layups a lot. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket. The use of hand signals can help you avoid this difficulty. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.

TIP! Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.

TIP! If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Speed always gives you an edge over your opponent. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. You may see things differently as you observe the game and notice things you missed in the game. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.

TIP! Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This throws your opponents off. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. You must practice this move with your teammates so that everyone on your team understands what is going on.

TIP! When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. 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 find it difficult to continue using your weak hand, make your strong hand unusable. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

TIP! Switch your body’s weight from side to side while practicing your dribbling. Dribbling during game play requires you to adopt a variety of dribbling skills.

If you are a basketball player, you know how important it is to be a well-rounded athlete. The tips included above should have given you ideas on how to become better at your chosen sport. Read over the above info again if you need to, but keep using the tips you read so you’re able to do better.