TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

Are you ready to learn some new techniques? You love basketball and enjoy playing the game. Nonetheless, you can’t know everything there is to know. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn. This article will give you some great advice about basketball. Read on to learn all new tips and tricks to improve your basketball game.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing.

Practice shooting free throws. The free throw shot might seem simple, but it can actually be pretty difficult. Practice frequently using these techniques. Place the ball right in line with your face. Use visualization to imagine the goal occurring. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. The ideal bounce pass should land about 3/4 of the way between you and the receiver. Of course, there are also other factors involved.

TIP! A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills.

Free throws have a huge mental element to them. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Be relaxed and concentrate on the basket and you will help you make more free throws.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? Try a pass back! Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back.

Keep your skills sharp in the off-season by playing different challenging games. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. That is okay. Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. You can work on pivots and free throws. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you.

To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.

TIP! To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot.

Work on core strength when you work out. You will stay balanced if your core is strong. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Jumping rope can also help you become lighter on your feet and quicker on the court.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical.

Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This will easily confuse your opponents. If you can pull it off, it’s effective to draw your opponents away from the shooter. That way the shooter gets a great look before shooting. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

TIP! In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else.

You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. Curling your wrists also help you improve your own dribbling. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

Using these tips will have you energized when playing basketball. It’s fun to apply new tips to the court. Show off your new abilities with the tips you just learned. Basketball is a terrific and enjoyably sport.