TIP! Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Basketball is a game that can be enjoyed by anyone. Basketball is fun to play regardless of your skill level. The next time you’re playing a game, show your friends your new moves. What skills might those be? Read on to discover a variety of tips and tricks to improve your game.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand. This action most be quick to work out. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

Pay attention to what you are good at. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? How about the behind the back pass? To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Next, place the ball behind you.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. A useful tip is to have the ball bounce roughly 3/4 of the distance to the recipient. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you.

To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.

TIP! Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

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

Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

TIP! In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable.

To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Don’t allow yourself to use your dominant hand when practicing. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent.

Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.

TIP! To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand.

In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass the ball. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

When dribbling, bend your knees. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team. Just a little bending at the knees can make a huge difference in your overall ball control.

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. Basketball is a team sport.

Be sure you’re doing the right kinds of exercises off the court to help you on it. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game. Lift weights to build your power. The confidence this gives you will help you with your shooting.

TIP! Build your team up at all times. A team that works together is an unstoppable team.

Make sure you don’t double dribble. This happens when you stop dribbling and then begin again. When you stop, you have to shoot or pass. Once you have stopped dribbling you have to get rid of the ball. That is also referred to as a turnover, and the ref will call it for your opponent.

TIP! Double dribbling is considered a foul. This occurs when you halt the dribble once, only to begin dribbling immediately thereafter.

If you know that the person with the ball is weak with one hand, force them to use it. Use your body position to make the opponent move in a direction that is not as strong. Keep your head on a parallel with the player’s chest. This will make your stance low and enable you to snatch the ball away.

TIP! Part of being a great basketball player is knowing when it is time to give the ball to someone else. It’s better to work with others to get a good shot than if you’re someone who ruins a game due to a poor shot.

When shooting the ball you have to be sure not to get nervous. Stay focused on the net. Focus your stare on the back part of the rim as you are shooting. However, when making a lay-up, focus sharply on the section of the backboard where you will bank the ball.

TIP! Focus on the ball whenever it leaves any players hands. An important part of basketball is rebounding.

If you are in possession of the ball, learn when you should shoot and when you should pass. Having a wide open shot is key to making it, instead of passing it off to someone who isn’t open, or shooting it yourself in that spot.

TIP! To be very good at basketball you need to learn how to pivot. You have to practice footwork and get ready to pivot without getting unstable on your feet or disoriented.

Passing is an important part of basketball. Good passing skills will help you baffle your opponent. It also demonstrates your understanding of teamwork, which fellow teammates will appreciate. The time will come later for you to showcase your own talents. Since you know you’ll have your moment to shine, have patience and help some others shine as well.

TIP! A zone defense can be beat by using a penetrating dribble. Once you split through the defense and penetrate into the key, you force the other team to commit away from your teammates.

It’s difficult to be an effective player if you are unable to pivot. Practice your footwork so that you can pivot without thinking about it, and avoid getting tangled in your feet or disoriented. Work on your stance, and then practice reacting quickly when you’ve got the ball in your hands.

TIP! When dribbling, practice building up a strong bounce. This is because when you bounce the ball hard, the ball is moving quicker and gives the defender less time to try to snatch it away when it is out of your hands.

You don’t have to worry about your basketball skills any longer. Now you know some tips even your opponents don’t know. Keep in mind that basketball is supposed to be fun. No matter what, being a winner is always fun.