TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough.

All over the world, people enjoy the simple sport of basketball. In order for a team to win, each player has distinct skills which must be accurately performed. If you want help to improve your skills, you should continue reading.

TIP! Crossovers are key for ball handlers. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch as many games on TV as you can. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the 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.

Don’t dribble during your drills. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. That is not a problem. Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Moving your feet as you are setting a screen or pick usually results in you being called for a foul.

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. Doing this lets you maintain balance and movement towards the goal, while keeping your body in between your defender and your shot.

TIP! Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them.

A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them out of their comfort zone. Execute aggressive moves. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If they do, they’ll dominate you. Make your moves first and end their patterns.

TIP! Ensure that you have good court awareness. You don’t need great vision just to keep score.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. An exercise to help develop your basketball skills is to perform wrist curls. You will not be able to stand in one place and shoot. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

TIP! When you have the chance, take charge. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball.

Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If you are being guarded closely, halt your dribble and pass to an open teammate.

TIP! Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength.

Ensure that you have good court awareness. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.

TIP! If you are in a defensive position, keep yourself low. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something.

If you are a basketball player, you know how important it is to be a well-rounded athlete. By now, you have a firm grasp of what it takes to improve your skills. Review the article again when needed, but keep practicing to improve.