TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

What basketball information should I know? What can be done to help me to become better at the game while knowing how to appreciate what’s going on? This article will provide you with great tips that will come in handy the next time that you go to play a game of basketball.

TIP! To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. They are going with the flow when this occurs. 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! Keep practicing your layups. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Stay relaxed and just focus on the goal and you will increase your free throw rate.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Learning how to catch these errant passes will put you at an advantage.

TIP! Quality footwork will help you get better shots. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Try a pass back! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Do you do something really good? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.

TIP! If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.

TIP! Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot. To help improve your shot, focus on squaring up on each of your shots. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

TIP! Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard.

Do you now know the answers to your questions? Are you pumped to take your new skills to the court? With hard work and persistence, you can develop your skills to be a good overall player on the court. Apply the advice from this article the next time you are on the court and watch how your game improves!