TIP! Correct dribbling is key. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

The sport of basketball is extremely popular. Regardless of if you are a spectator, a coach or a player, you know how exciting basketball can be. Naturally, if you play, you want to excel at the game. Use these basketball tips to enhance your understanding and love for this incredible sport.

TIP! Perfect your free throw. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy.

Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. It has to be done fast to be effective. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling.

Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Try the back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Next, pull the ball behind your back. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. Are you great at any one thing? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. 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.

Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. A defender that is knowledgeable is an effective defender.

Jumping Rope

TIP! Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement. Just remember it has to be fast and consistent. The reason is, this routine will put your body on alert that the next thing coming is a free throw. This will help insure your success.

TIP! Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical.

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 technique can give you a significant advantage.

TIP! Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. The person defending the position down-court from you will be coming at you, so you need to find any way you can to slide around him that gets you to the ball.

As you now know, there exist many methods to which you can up your game. Continue to learn new techniques and perfect your skills. It is important that you practice as much as possible to improve your game. You can perform drills by yourself of with your team, or you can mentor younger players. Any way you approach it, these activities will benefit your game.