TIP! Balance is important when shooting. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique.

A lot of people enjoy basketball because it is fun. But, excelling at the game is not simple. Regardless of whether you are the best or not, you can still have fun playing basketball. The following tips will help you learn more about the sport in general.

TIP! Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! Practice playing by yourself. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! Never play through an injury on the court. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

Free Throws

TIP! When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. No problem! You can still do a lot on your own. Practice free throws and layups. You can always work on something.

TIP! Concentrate on your shoulders if you have gotten into a shooting slump. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position.

If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.

TIP! A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. Inconsistency does not make a better shot.

When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

TIP! Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. This means you get the ball back from your opponent faster.

Always be aware of your feet. 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. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. You are limited once you cease dribbling.

When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This throws your opponents off. The look will cause your guard to turn away. It can be quite powerful.

TIP! Exercise off the court. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game.

You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

Dribbling Skills

TIP! Make your opponent change their path. Whether you are playing offense or defense, it is important to control the moves of your opponent.

Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Force your opponent to use his weaker hand. Move towards their right side so they must dribble with their weaker left hand.

To improve ball handling, consider focusing workouts on your forearms and hands. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. Don’t just think you’re able to stand around, catch the ball and then shoot it. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.

TIP! You should be aware of your weaknesses in basketball. This above all else, to thine own self be true.

Do you want to impress your friends with your basketball skills? You better learn those moves first. Get yourself pumped up and mentally psyched, then step onto the court and do it! You will see the improvement with your skills after using this advice.