TIP! Look forward when dribbling. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

For decades, people have enjoyed basketball. It allows people to compete but have fun at the same time. If you want to become a great basketball player, you need to practice and take the game seriously. Reading this article in full will provide you with the knowledge you need, so don’t stop now.

TIP! When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Practice layups often. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

Jump Shot

TIP! Hand signals can help you to stay away from making bad passes. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass.

If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. Some overzealous shooting guards buffed up too much, and it had an adverse effect on their overall field goal percentages.

TIP! Never play through an injury when playing basketball. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. There is nothing wrong with that. You can still do a lot on your own. Go to the free throw line and work on your shots. You can always find things to work on.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. What areas are your strong points? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. Your performance is going to be sub-par if you don’t have strengthened core muscles. Building strong core muscles will allow your to jump higher, run faster and maintain your balance.

TIP! If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. These common miscommunications can be avoided by utilizing hand signals, which tells the passing player the other player is ready for a pass. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

TIP! One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. What areas are your strong points? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

TIP! Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina.

Focus on your footwork and your core strength in your workouts. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Give your hips, buttocks, back and stomach a workout. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! A corner shot often bounces to the opposite end of the court. Pay attention to this as you prepare for a rebound.

If you know some good techniques for practicing basketball, then you’ll find playing easier and more fun. Find other article and blogs to read to continue learning. Take advantage of every piece of advice you can and practice as much as possible.