TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

No one tries to fix a car engine problem without knowing how to fix it properly. Great basketball players are not born that way, they work at being better players and continue to learn and practice. In this article, we will discuss some of the top professional tips in the world of basketball.

TIP! Proper balance is essential when shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals.

If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. A good crossover dribble can give you the opportunity to switch directions and progress on the court much faster.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. 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.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. Taking a shot when you are off balance will probably lead to a turnover. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! Constantly practice layups. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

Practice using different types of defenses. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it.

Always be aware of your feet. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. This gives you better control of the ball.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Force them out of their comfort zone. Be aggressive as you execute your moves. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. You make the moves, which helps shift the momentum.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs.

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. It is essential to move the ball around in order to succeed.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. When you can see the big picture, you can react to anything.

TIP! A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Strength training can improve your game. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina. Even little kids who play basketball will develop more overall body strength. As they reach their teen years, bring weights in to further enhance exercise. Continue training throughout the adult years to maintain a constant performance.

TIP! Building strength improves your basketball game. You need both strength and endurance if you are going to excel.

Stay low when you play defense. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Stay in a defensive stance. When you must break from your stance in order to block shots, make sure to return to form right away.

TIP! Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This helps your reaction time against your opponent.

When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. You will have better ball control with bent knees.

TIP! Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. 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.

Make your opponent change their path. Regardless of whether you play defense or offense, the ability to control the other team creates a significant advantage. By doing this you will be able to go wherever you want on the court without their interference.

TIP! Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. During game time, you’ll find yourself dribbling from all sorts of positions.

Don’t double dribble. This happens when you cease dribbling once and begin again within a few seconds. Once dribbling is done, you must either shoot or pass the ball. You can’t just start dribbling again. This will cause your team to lose the ball.

TIP! Your off-court practice should mimic your on-court playing. You could, for instance, work on your sprint so you can perform plays faster, while running on a longer distance will help you build your stamina.

Gain pride and confidence by learning how to play the game with skill. That said, except for becoming a better basketball player. You’ll not only impress teammates and opponents, but you’ll also win games.