Dedication is key to becoming a better basketball player. Do you really want to be a good basketball player? You can gain valuable knowledge when you read this article.

TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

When dribbling the basketball you should keep your head up. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you are. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

Crossover Dribble

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best.

You should practice your crossovers a lot. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense. This is simply an improvised move. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. You will quickly notice all the different skills that they have which makes them a great player, then take what you learned and use it to help improve your own game.

TIP! To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength.

Don’t dribble during your drills. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

TIP! You can make the 2-3 zone a lot more dangerous by having two defenders stay in this zone until a point guard is beyond the time line. Then they should run to the point guard and trap him.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.

TIP! One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

Interested in tricking your opponents? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. Finally, flick your wrist towards the direction in which you wish that ball to travel. It’s a great way to trick your opposing team.

TIP! The only way to gain skill in outside shooting is to make over 100 practice shots every day from various spots on the court. To improve even more, practice preparing for a shot quickly after dribbling the ball.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! Don’t discontinue dribbling until you have the chance to shoot or pass. If you stop dribbling, then you don’t really have that many options.

The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This gives you better control of the ball. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! You should practice your dribbling while switching your balance from right to left. You’re going to be dribbling in many different conditions during a game.

Quickness is a blessing in basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage. In order to be fast, you must constantly do drills. Do not try playing faster than you can. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

TIP! When dribbling, use your other arm to create a wall between you and your opponent. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball.

To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. You will quickly strengthen your non-dominant hand for dribbling.

TIP! Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. Basketball is played by a team.

A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed. If you master this, you will be able to quickly take layups.

TIP! If a shooter is located at a corner, their missed attempt is likely to waft to the opposite side. Pay attention to this as you prepare for a rebound.

Now, you need to get going and use the advice and guidance found in this piece. Practicing what you already know and implementing what you don’t know will enhance your basketball playing abilities. Follow the 3-step plan for ensured success.