TIP! If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Basketball has been watched and played for many years. Becoming a good basketball player takes practice and dedication. Reading through the article here is going to teach you what you need to know, so continue on.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble on your way to school. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand. You must do it fast for best success. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Practice your bounce pass. Bounce passes should not go above or below the receiving players waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. There are other variables to consider though.

TIP! A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

Free throws are mental as well as physical. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members.

Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own. Don’t worry! There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Practice free throws and layups. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Keep your eye on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. The core connects the lower and upper extremities, and if a person has a weak core, they will fail to excel in athletic pursuits. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

TIP! Remember to spread your fingers when handling the ball. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.

TIP! You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Force them into an uncomfortable zone.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? You can use this information to improve your game. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.

TIP! Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Don’t let them dictate the game. This will give your opponent the chance to run over you. You should make the initial move and throw them off.

TIP! To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine. You can’t just stand and shoot for the whole game. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot.

Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass the ball. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling.

Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This helps you jump fast and react quickly. Stay in your defensive stance all the time. If you need to leave your feet in order to prevent your opponent from shooting the ball, quickly get back into that good defensive position.

TIP! Practice your dribbling skills while shifting your momentum to alternate sides. You will dribble during different situations.

When dribbling, bend your knees. The basketball is much harder to control if you stand tall and the opposing team can snatch it more easily. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

TIP! Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. For example, you can improve individual plays with sprinting.

Avoid dribbling above your knees. This will make your opponent struggle to steal the ball from you. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.

TIP! The position you are in before and after your rebound will determine whether you get to keep the ball or not. Improve your balance and power by jumping using both feet.

Create a strong team environment on and off the court. Basketball games gain a new intensity when players can work as one effortlessly. If you’re able to figure out who your teammates are and you can trust them as well, then you’ll be able to take your game up a notch.

TIP! Always focus on where the ball is going after it leaves your teammates hands or the opposing players hands. Rebounding will help you win the game.

Your should have good position both before and after a rebound to assure you keep the ball. Use both feet when jumping; this improves both height and control. Once you have the basketball, land with wide feet that will help you keep your balance.

TIP! Passing should be an essential element in your game. It keeps the opponent on their toes.

It is important to know what to do when the ball comes to you. Should you shoot it or pass it? It’s preferable to assist the winning goal, rather than be the sole reason a basket was missed,

TIP! Avoid getting into an argument with game officials. You might not agree with their calls, and you can ask them a question if you wish.

Focus on the ball whenever it leaves any players hands. Rebounding will help you win the game. If you are unable to rebound, it doesn’t matter how good you are at defense.

TIP! Make sure to communicate with all of your teammates. This should be built as a team during practice.

Basketball will be easier for you and more fun when you have the best advice. Put in the necessary time to read additional articles, and watch videos. Keep learning more than just this article. Absorb every lesson you learn here and on the court. Don’t forget anything.