TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

The freedom, enjoyment and delight people derive from the game of basketball is not overrated. Many people don’t know all that there is to know about this game. The following tips can help basketball players at every level.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? Make use of the back pass. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand.

Make sure to dribble properly. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. You should be dribbling the ball at your side instead of in front of your body. The ball should always be dribbled at waist level. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.

TIP! To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Whatever you do before each shot, from dribbles to body motions, should be the same each time.

A great way to hone your own basketball abilities is to watch the pros. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. Each player has their strengths and you can learn a lot from each one.

TIP! Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. Trying to be tough so you can keep going, even when you’re just a little uncomfortable, can make an injury worse. Be sure to seek medical care if you have a serious injury.

TIP! You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.

TIP! Defensive players need to stay low. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path.

Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. Whether you are passing or shooting the ball, your fingers are the only part of your hand that should be touching the ball.

TIP! If you want a 2-3 zone to be turned into a machine that traps, your two defenders that are guarding should wait until your point guard is around ten feet past mid court. They can then trap the point guard.

Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. All other three point lines are closer than what the NBA uses.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This is a great way to fake out your opponents. This will give the person that you passed the ball to a chance to make their move before your opponent can correct from their mix up. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

Free Throw

TIP! Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina.

Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! Dribble with a rhythm, that is until you need to outsmart your opponents. Dribbling somewhat slowly, then suddenly dribbling fast might give you the opening you need to take a shot.

To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him. Your forwards should sprint to cover the other players on the outside. The point guard will make a pass that forwards can steal.

TIP! Be sure to practice shooting from a variety of spots on the court. The first thing you should do is practice your grip and balance.

Basketball is something you can get benefits from by playing it, or just by watching it. To make sure you are getting all you can out of the game, become informed. Hopefully, the above advice has given you what you need to know to start doing great at this game.