TIP! You should practice your crossovers a lot. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Basketball is played all over the world, and it’s a fun game. All players contribute different skills to the team. Keep reading to find out how you can improve your abilities.

TIP! Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. Always have a basketball handy. Dribble while walking to the store. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

TIP! A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills.

Practice your layup shot often. This is the most popular shot in basketball. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Even though having strong muscles is great for the inside game, being on the outside it can harm you when shooting the ball.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.

TIP! Never play through an injury when playing basketball. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.

TIP! Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. Do you see anything you could do differently? Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic.

To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.

TIP! Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement.

You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Scan the court looking for openings to make a basket.

TIP! If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. Your weak hand will soon develop better dribbling skills.

TIP! Take a charge if you can. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal. When you are guarding, do so aggressively. Do not allow them to choose the plays that they make. If you let them, you’ll be at their mercy. Rather, move first; attack their rhythm.

TIP! Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body.

All basketball players try to become an expert in a particular skill so they can become a better player. This article has provided you with the tips you need to succeed. Take another look at the piece if you want, but be sure to use this advice to become a better player.