TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

No one is born to be a star player. Is there really any way that you could become great if you weren’t educated on how to play? The following tips have helped pros become the players they are.

TIP! Work on pass catches. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

TIP! If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. 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! See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Do you have an area where you excel? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

Interested in tricking your opponents? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear. Then you will use your wrist and flip it in the direction you want the ball to be going. This should help to trick the other team.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots.

If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! Take any opportunity to strengthen your weaker hand and build your skill by using it to brush your teeth or open jars. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand.

Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

TIP! When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. Standing straight will make you see that it’s harder to handle and easier for the opposing players to take.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. Just don’t play any faster than you’re able to. If you play too quickly, you lose control over the ball and the match.

Free Throw

TIP! You should make sure when practicing dribbling that you shift from one hand to the other. Games require you to be able to dribble under all types of conditions.

To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

TIP! Keep all motion below the knees if possible. This makes it more difficult for the opponent to take the ball.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. It can be very confusing to your opponents. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. Basketball is nothing if not a team sport.

To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This can help you to remain balanced, continue moving toward the hoop, and will keep your body between the defender and yourself.

TIP! You need to practice many types of shots on the basketball court. The first thing you should do is practice your grip and balance.

Learning how to fix something gives you a feeling of pride that doesn’t compare to any other feeling. That said, except for becoming a better basketball player. Have fun impressing your teammates with your new skills and win all the games you can.