TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Basketball ranks among one of peoples’ favorite sports to both watch and play. Being the best player is not always easy, however. Basketball is fun for anyone who chooses to play it. Read this article to learn more about the great sport of basketball.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

Keep practicing your layups. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. Whenever you practice, approach the goal full speed, jump and take a smooth shot. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.

TIP! Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

Work on catching passes frequently. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. This can cause your team to lose momentum to the other side if this isn’t something you’ve practiced.

TIP! To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it.

Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. Having found a good spot, you must secure it. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles.

Should you receive an injury during the course of the game, never try to continue playing despite the pain. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Can you get better at something? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Always scout the court for areas that will open up and allow you to make a clear shot.

TIP! The trick to grabbing a rebound on a teammate’s missed free-throw is to plan your footwork in advance. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.

TIP! You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball.

Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. Mastering this technique can give you a significant advantage.

TIP! Stay low when you play defense. You will become faster and react faster.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! Be sure to keep your knees bent while you dribble. When you are rigid, the ball is not only hard to control, it is also an easier target for a rival to steal.

You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. Display aggressiveness in your chosen moves. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. If you let them, you’ll be at their mercy. Rather, you move first so that you interfere with their rhythm.

TIP! To improve three-point shooting, do it from NBA distance at the very least. Remember that high school, college and international standard lines are all shorter than the NBA distance.

Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.

TIP! To make your shooting skills better, shoot from all around the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot.

Do you feel as though it’s time to show off your new skills? First, put these tips to good use. Take all the excitement you have for the sport to lace up your shoes and start improving your game. You will soon begin to see the advice you got here will help you to improve your game.