TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in.

When you first played the game of basketball, it was a whole new world. You explored passing, shooting, and dribbling. If you have been playing for a long time, you might think there is not much more you can learn. These tips prove that you haven’t learned it all.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times. They are going with the flow when this occurs. If you are able to improve your sense of balance, then you will find that your percentage of successful shots improves.

TIP! Watch how the pros play basketball. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Make layups a part of your daily practice regimen. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

TIP! Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes.

Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. If your practice did not include this, you can quickly lose control of the game.

TIP! Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

Hand signals can help you to stay away from making bad passes. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction. A simple hand gesture can let your teammate know you’re ready for the pass. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.

TIP! If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position.

If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. 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 have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. If you keep on playing after sustaining an injury, you may make the injury even more serious. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Force them away from their comfort zone.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.

TIP! A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. But don’t try to go even faster than you actually are. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

TIP! Dribble the ball hard to keep it from being stolen. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. They should then trap the point guard.

The best free throws come as a result of routine. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. 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! Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. Being able to dribble and shoot the ball with both hands will make it much more difficult for opponents to defend you.

You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Keep the activity below the knees if possible. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you.

Nothing is impossible with the game of basketball, now that you have these tips. Set your goals and practice all you can to better your skills. Using these tips will allow you to become an amazing player.