TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Basketball is a time honored sport which offers entertainment to those playing as well as those watching the game. To become a better player, you must regard the game seriously and practice. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

You need good balance when you shoot. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. They’re just improvising at this point. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.

Bounce Pass

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. It needs to get to the player at their waist. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.

TIP! Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot.

Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. You’ll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.

TIP! Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds.

You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. If your practice did not include this, you can quickly lose control of the game.

TIP! If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Refine this skill by bouncing a ball with force between the legs while stepping backwards or forwards.

Understand your opponent. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. Know the dominant hand of every player. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This should befuddle your opponent.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots. You want to make sure that you see what is going on to the sides of you. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

TIP! Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.

TIP! Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. This will make it harder for opponents to get the ball away from you.

Do not release your defensive stance. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.

TIP! Use the hand you aren’t dribbling with to keep the opponent away from the ball. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it.

If you know some good techniques for practicing basketball, then you’ll find playing easier and more fun. Search out more resources like videos, blogs and sports columns to get all the information you can find to improve your play. Absorb all the advice you find and work on your game.