TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Have you ever thought that you’d like to be a professional basketball player someday? Don’t just aspire to be great; learn the things that will make you great. Read on to learn how to go about doing this.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique.

Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail. Relax and focus on your shot, and you can make it.

TIP! Practice catching passes often. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately. Don’t get discouraged if it is hard initially’ because the gains you will make are sure to be worthwhile.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back.

Practice playing by yourself. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it. This is perfectly acceptable. You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Do you do something particularly well? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

TIP! If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Do they feel you are really good at something? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

TIP! Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player.

A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

TIP! Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.

TIP! A good way to see yourself playing is to have someone record your games. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

After having read this article, you now have a few things that you can go practice. Keep your practice consistent, and build your own skills and confidence. You can develop your skill far above what you have now if you push yourself and never give up.