TIP! It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand.

Now is the time to begin finding out more about basketball. You love basketball and enjoy playing the game. Skills and talents can always be improved. So, maybe this article can teach you a thing or two. Read on to find out how to become a better player.

TIP! Proper balance is essential when shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense may be splashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.

TIP! Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.

TIP! Practice your passes and catches frequently. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play. That should not matter. You can still do a lot on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. There are always things that can be done.

Serious Injury

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Trick them using a back pass. To start, grab the ball using your good hand.

It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Trying to be tough so you can keep going, even when you’re just a little uncomfortable, can make an injury worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back.

Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body will be able to move quicker and be more balanced when you have srong core muscles.

You need to be quick to play good basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. Do not play beyond you capabilities, however. If you push too hard, your performance may be haphazard, and the game may get out of control.

TIP! Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Do you see anything you could do differently? Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. This gives you an unfettered view of how you actually performed on the court, rather than relying solely on your memory of the game.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? You can use this information to improve your game.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off.

In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. That will build your balance and help you stay in the right position.

Free Throws

TIP! Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball.

Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

TIP! Keep low as you defend. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler.

To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This allows you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. A good hard dribble brings the ball back to you much faster, leaving less time for the opponent to steal it from you. If you are being guarded closely, bring your dribbling to an end and pass the ball to another open team member.

TIP! Dribble the ball below knee level. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you.

Take charges whenever possible. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This can devastate a competitor psychologically as well as being a powerful play on the court.

TIP! The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Basketball is played by a team.

Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This allows you to jump or react quicker. Remain in a correct defensive pose always. If you break the stance to shot-block, then recover the proper form immediately after the pass or shot.

TIP! Make sure you stay in a constant rhythm until it is time to make your move. Your opponent is looking for the best opportunity to steal the ball, and switching it up can break their concentration.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. Then, they ought to trap the point guard. Your forwards should then go cover the wing players. This will cause the point guard to throw a pass that will allow your forwards to steal.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. If that happens, you need to anticipate when it will land so you can catch it on the rebound.

In order to improve your weaker hand, make use of it for everyday things, such as brushing your teeth, eating out of a spoon, etc. You’ll find it becomes more controllable. This will help you with your basketball game also.

TIP! If you’re sure that the person in possession of the ball isn’t good with one hand, try getting them to use it. For instance, you could step toward a player on their right side to force them to switch to their left hand.

Using the information you got here, you can hit the court with new-found energy. It is terrific to learn new techniques and see how they help your game. Keep these tips in mind as you play the game. Basketball is a sport that is loved all over the world.