TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing.

The sport of basketball is a world within itself. Dribbling and passing and shooting were the skills you were trying to master. These days, you may feel a lot like you’ve learned all that you need to know. The advice contained in this article is going to teach you that you still have a ways to go.

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own.

Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand. That action has to be done fast to be successful. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

Perfect your bounce pass. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. There are, however, other factors that influence the pass.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. You might see a decrease in your goal percentages if your biceps become too large.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Force them out of their comfort zone.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. There’s nothing wrong with that. It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice.

In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player.

If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Bend your knees when dribbling the basketball. Standing straight will make you see that it’s harder to handle and easier for the opposing players to take.

Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. This will help you use that hand more easily and improve your dribbling with that hand.

TIP! Keep dribbling until you want to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited.

A good way to stay defensive is to have a defensive stance. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around. Avoid getting your feet cross as this makes it much more difficult for the opponent to get by you.

TIP! Be sure that off-court exercises are proper for playing on-court. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina.

While you dribble, alternate your momentum from your left to right side. Real game dribbling has a lot of variety. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. You must know how to dribble the ball no matter what your body is doing. This can help you out of jams.

TIP! Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. Basketball is nothing if not a team sport.

The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. You are sure to understand that it takes teamwork to play basketball. It is not a one-on-one game. All players on your team are interdependent. Be vocal on the court to form better communication with your teammates for play.

TIP! Become a better basketball team by becoming a stronger team when playing and in practice. Basketball is a sport that goes so much further when a team truly connects.

Try different shots from different places on the basketball court. First, practice your balance and grip. It is possible to make a shot when your balance is off, but it is a lot less likely. Use your basketball’s valve for perfecting your grip. Keep your dominant hand spread out, and place the palm on top of the valve; this is the basketball’s center.

A corner shot often bounces to the opposite end of the court. In this situation, you must anticipate the path of the ball to gain possession of the rebound.

TIP! If a team is good at defending their zone, you need to attack with a penetrating dribble. If you get beside a defender and enter the lane, the defending team will shift.

If you are aware that the player with the ball has a weak hand, force the use of that hand. If the opponent is left-handed, make the right side your dominant side so that they can’t use their dominant side. Stay low and be prepared to block a shot or intercept a pass.

TIP! Know what areas you are weak in. And that starts with being honest about your skills.

Keep your eye on the ball, no matter whose hands it was in before it started to move. An important part of basketball is rebounding. Gaining possession on a turnover is always going to be a positive for your team.

TIP! Basketball players who are advanced view dribbling as a physical and mental challenge. There are many variables that involve getting the ball to the exact point where you want it.

One important element in basketball is passing. Good passing helps beat your opponent. It also shows you value teamwork and this will be appreciated by your teammates. You will have a chance to showcase your abilities at some point. Since you know you’ll have your moment to shine, have patience and help some others shine as well.

TIP! If you are playing defense, your focus should be on the opposing player who has possession of the ball. When you are close, he can only hold the ball or dribble for 5 seconds.

One of thing you should learn if you are going to be a good basketball player is how to pivot. It is necessary to refine your footwork so that you an pivot successfully on a moment’s notice. Work on your stance and your post-pass reaction moves.

TIP! Work on your pump fakes. There are a number of tactics you can shoot with, but a pump fake is one of the more powerful ones.

The best offense against a zone defense is by using a penetrating dribble. When you can pass a defender, the opposition will have to change their strategy. If you are close enough in, you could try a shot. Otherwise, pass the ball to an open teammate.

TIP! Always contest your opponents’ shots. If someone is taking a shot and is open, run at him, even if you’re not assigned to him.

There’s always room for improvement in basketball. Keep in mind that it takes work and a lot of practice to be a great basketball player. Using these tips will allow you to become an amazing player.