TIP! If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

What is there to learn when it comes to basketball? What will help me to perfect my game? This article will provide you with great tips that will come in handy the next time that you go to play a game of basketball.

TIP! A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes.

It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. You retain much more ball control this way. Avoid dribbling in front of you and only dribble to the sides of your body. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try using a back pass! If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. They are merely making up the play on the spot. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.

TIP! Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

Serious Injury

TIP! If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. Visit a doctor if you think it’s serious.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length.

Ask fellow team members what they like about your skills on the court. Is there something that you excel at? Maybe you are nimble or you are reliably there to support them. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.

TIP! If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back.

You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. If you’re able to become more ambidextrous, you are going to be able to better control it on the court.

Understand your opponent. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.

TIP! If you wish to shoot on the outside better you should work on shooting hundreds of times every day from a lot of places on the court. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot.

Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. By doing this, you can increase your chance to get the rebound despite starting in a disadvantageous position.

TIP! The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. In order to win games, you have to work together as a team.

Take every charge you can. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! Make sure you stay in a constant rhythm until it is time to make your move. You can surprise the opponent by changing up your dribbling.

Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot. Avoid getting your feet cross as this makes it much more difficult for the opponent to get by you.

Strength Training

TIP! Your diet plays a major role in your health and success on the basketball court. Basketball uses a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to fuel your body with lean protein and whole grains.

Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even young children can benefit from strength training. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! You have to learn to get your opponent to alter their path. Whether you are playing defense or offense, you must be capable of controlling the directions of opposing players.

To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. The international line is much closer. If you can score from NBA range, you’ll enjoy open looks at deeper range than your opposition.

TIP! Force your opponent to use his weaker hand. Step toward their strong side with your foot to force them to react by switching sides.

Keep all motion below the knees if possible. This is going to make things harder for your opponents if they want to steal the ball. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.

TIP! Make sure that you are not stressed when shooting. Stay focused on the hoop.

If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy diet. If you play all the time, you need to eat carbs on a regular basis. Don’t neglect protein and fat, though. Peanut butter and nuts are great choices. Try to avoid overuse of salt or sugar in your diet.

TIP! Proper pivoting is essential in the game of basketball. You have to practice footwork and get ready to pivot without getting unstable on your feet or disoriented.

Make strong team environments off and on the court. Basketball teams can achieve greatness when the whole team blends cohesively. You need to know how your teammates play to play the best ball game. Additionally, you need to be able to trust them.

TIP! By focusing, you’ll learn drills quicker. That concept extends to practice sessions and drills alike, when it can be easy to grow distracted.

If the person you’re guarding is bigger than you are, put your body between this person and the player with the ball. This prevents any easy passes that can go over your head.

Open Shot

TIP! When it comes to playing basketball, making free throws is key. Basketball has a lot of fouls in the game, especially if it’s a close game.

Have an idea as to when is the best time to shoot the ball and when is the ideal time to pass if your teammate has an open shot. Having a wide open shot is key to making it, instead of passing it off to someone who isn’t open, or shooting it yourself in that spot.

TIP! Your defensive skills should be worked on. Working on blocking shots and passes and covering an offensive player well.

Are you aware of the answers to the questions you have? Are you now ready to play some B-ball? Are you able to handle the fact that you’re going to do the best at basketball that you’ve ever done because of this article? Go forward, start practicing, implement these tips and find the great rewards you will get as a result.