TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

You have accessed this article to learn more about the great sport of basketball. You want to play a better game. Nonetheless, you can’t know everything there is to know. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn. Read this article to find out if there is something you can use to make you a better player. Continue reading to see how to improve your game.

TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one. The move must be done quickly if it is going to work. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

Free Throws

TIP! If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. That is not a problem. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You can always practice.

TIP! You have to know how to bounce pass properly. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Turning away from the ball can be a costly mistake in basketball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. Steady drilling will help speed up your play. Never try though to get too fast that you can’t make any plays. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

TIP! If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. When you get this move down, you will have an advantage.

TIP! Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. So, if you shoot using your left hand, launch with your right foot. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

TIP! You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way.

Be sly on your soles to catch rebounds from free-throws your own team members are making. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.

TIP! In order to ensure that you are always ready to defend, keep your stance at all times. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around.

Armed with the tips presented here, you can take your game to a whole new level. Learning can be fun, especially if you love what you are learning. Show off your new abilities with the tips you just learned. Enjoy basketball every day!