TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

What’s important for you to learn about the sport of basketball? What will help me to perfect my game? Reading these tips gives a quality information base when it comes to playing basketball.

TIP! Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. Hold the ball level with your head. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Shoot on the same path you saw in your mind’s eye.

TIP! Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Good footwork is important when you’re posting up in the paint. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

Practice using different types of defenses. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes. If your practice did not include this, you can quickly lose control of the game.

TIP! The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. Be sure to talk to a doctor if you feel that the injury isn’t going away.

TIP! As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Are you skilled at something? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents. It takes steady drilling to play fast. But do not try to play faster than you are able. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better.

If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. Mastering this movement gives you a big advantage on the court.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. You can train for this maneuver by stepping forward or backwards as you bounce the ball real hard in-between your legs.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Take them out of their own comfort zone. When making a move, be aggressive. Do not allow them to decide which plays to make. The more aggressively smart team is usually the one who wins. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop. This gets you the rebound without you committing a foul.

TIP! Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you.

Do you feel more knowledgeable about the game of basketball? Do you feel like you are prepared for a game of basketball? Has this article given you the feeling that you’re able to become a better player? Get out there and begin practicing while putting these tips into practice so you can reap the rewards.