TIP! Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand.

Basketball is a much-loved sport. It is not so difficult as to exclude large groups. When you play, you learn to cooperate with your teammates and have good sportsmanship if you win or lose. If you seek to know more about this game, keep reading.

TIP! It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

TIP! One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Hold the ball using your dominant hand. Now, pull it behind your back. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball, too. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Need to dupe the opposition? Trick them using a back pass. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Honestly and openly assess your own performance. It can be an eye-opener to see how you’re playing the game really, not just what you picture it to be.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Do not let them choose the plays to make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.

TIP! Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

Peripheral Vision

TIP! A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. You want to be sure that your peripheral vision is at its best. It allows you to view the game as a whole rather than simply watching the ball. In this way, you can be aware of the players around you.

TIP! Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. A good hard dribble brings the ball back to you much faster, leaving less time for the opponent to steal it from you.

Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will do the same. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up.

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. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass. Concurrently, have forwards go to the wings. This will likely cause the point guard to make a high, short pass, which your forwards will steal quite easily.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. You are limited once you cease dribbling.

Why do so many people like basketball? That’s because it is fun to play and easy to learn. When you love basketball, you should learn as much as you can about it. Improve your skills by reading this article.