TIP! Get good at making free throws. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult.

Are you interested in basketball, but wish you knew more about the sport? You are not the only one. Very few basketball lovers can play at a high level. This article contains tips used by them.

TIP! Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

Better your basketball skills by watching 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. Watch great players to learn the specific skills that make them exceptional.

TIP! Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

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

Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong.

To land your layups, jump off the foot opposite the hand you shoot with. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. This will make the guard think you’re slowing down, then they will straighten their body too. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.

TIP! If you experience a slump in your scoring and shooting, your shoulders may be the cause of the problem. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots.

To increase the strength of your weaker hand, utilize it for doing everything, including brushing your teeth and opening jars. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.

TIP! Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds.

To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. This improves your accuracy.

TIP! To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable.

Practice dribbling while you switch your body’s momentum from one side to the other. During the game, you will dribble in various situations. You may see an open court but there are opponents ready to swarm you. You have to figure out how you can dribble while you’re working with your body leaning. This allows you to extricate yourself from high-pressure situations.

TIP! Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass.

Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game. Lift weights to build your power. This will also help you build confidence, a key aspect of performing well in any sport.

TIP! If you want to put pressure on the offense, you need to change the pace of things. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up.

Practice all types of shots while in different distances and angles. Balance and grip are the first two things to practice. Shooting when you are not in balance is less accurate, but it is possible. You can use the valve to find your perfect grip. Splay your dominant hand’s fingers, and place the middle of your hand atop the valve at the basketball’s center.

TIP! Your defenders need to wait for the point guard to make it 10′ ahead of the time line. The guards must then rush the opposing team’s point guard and create a trap.

Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. If so, you should be able to guess its next location and move to get the rebound.

TIP! If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball.

Make strong team environments off and on the court. Great basketball games happen when teams work together. You need to know how your teammates play to play the best ball game. Additionally, you need to be able to trust them.

TIP! To make your three-point shot better, practice it from the minimum NBA approved distance. The International standard line, as well as college and high school lines are all closer.

Take control of opposing players’ movements. Regardless of whether you play defense or offense, the ability to control the other team creates a significant advantage. Doing so makes it easier for you to navigate the court without interference from the other player.

TIP! Try different shots from different places on the basketball court. Start out by practicing grip and balance.

Now that you have read this article, you probably know a lot more about basketball than you did before. However, after you’ve gathered additional knowledge about the game through this article, maybe you feel like getting out on the court and being a pro yourself. Use this advice the next time you’re playing a game of basketball.