TIP! Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

Basketball is not a particularly complex game and the rules are simple to understand. You can pick up the basics in a few short minutes. However, there are many advanced techniques that can be learned. Continue reading to learn the how you can become the best player.

TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. This is when you switch hands while dribbling.

Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games.

You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. You must do it fast for best success. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.

TIP! Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. Almost 80% of shots will be layups.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? The back pass is perfect for this. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

Practice your pass catching often. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful.

Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. If your practice did not include this, you can quickly lose control of the game.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. Don’t fret! There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. Many things can be practiced.

Core Muscles

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. You will stay balanced if your core is strong.

Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back. Core muscles are the connectors between arms and legs. If the core muscles are weak, basketball performance will suffer. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.

TIP! If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. You will have the advantage over your opponents if you can really play fast. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. But do not try to play faster than you are able. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition.

Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Be honest with yourself but don’t be too harsh. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.

TIP! Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Maybe you are just starting out with basketball when you read this article. You may have played the game ever since you were young. Either way, the information located above can assist you in becoming a great ball player. Use this advice during your next game.