TIP! You should practice your crossovers a lot. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in.

Even the greatest basketball players alive do not know absolutely everything there is to know about the game. Things change all the time and you have to know that you have to learn more about the sport all the time. Do you want to dominate your opponents? The following article will give you some great advice to improve your game.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. 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.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot.

Work on pass catches. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. Cover for your teammates’ errant passes by developing the hands to cover their mistakes.

Core Muscles

TIP! If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Are you skilled at something? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate.

Avoid errant passes by using hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. You can avoid this by using hand signals if a player is able to take a pass. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action.

Quality footwork will help you get better shots. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot.

Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Only use your fingers to dribble, pass or shoot.

TIP! You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time.

Ensure that you have good court awareness. While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that. Develop your peripheral vision on the court. If you scan the entire court instead of keeping your eye on the basketball, you will be aware of oncoming defensive pressure as well as the positions of your open teammates.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you.

Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.

TIP! You can strengthen you weaker hand by using it as much as possible, for instance open jars or even brush your teeth. Being more dexterous means you will have better control.

For your weaker hand, to build skills, use it off-court for as much as you can, from brushing teeth to opening jars. If you are able to become more dexterous in terms of your weaker hand in general life, you’re going to have better control of it. You will soon see a difference on the court if you are consistent with these simple exercises.

TIP! Continuously dribble the ball until you have an opening to pass it to one of your teammates, or you are prepared to shoot. If you stop, you limit your options.

The only way to gain skill in outside shooting is to make over 100 practice shots every day from various spots on the court. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot. Look at your target while you’re in the air, but not before that. Your accuracy will get better and you’ll have a better idea of what real game conditions will be like.

TIP! To help ward off your opponent, practice using your other hand to help shield him away from you. Never push your opponent away because that ends up in a foul, but lightly use your other hand to keep separation between the ball and your opponent.

You should now feel a new level of confidence about playing basketball. They are intended to make you a better overall player. Never give up on the learning process and stay committed to regular practice. Take your game to the next level, and remember what you’ve read in order to get started.