TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. These shots look easy on television, but are actually hard when you are doing the shooting.

Practice is the only way you can actually improve your skills on the court. But you have to make sure you’re practicing the right way, or else you’re wasting time. This article will teach you the right way to play basketball.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Practice shooting free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Practice often using the following technique. 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! One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much.

Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. You’re able to train your whole body to do full free throw motions, but if you’re not mentally prepared, you will fail. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

TIP! Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot.

You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all. Frustration can be an issue at first, but passing will improve as time goes by.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

Never turn away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what’s coming. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. Moving either of your feet when setting a pick, screen, or even take a charge will result in a foul.

TIP! An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot.

It doesn’t matter how often you play basketball, the tips in this article will better your game every time you play. Take it one step at a time to help you improve your game. You can improve your game in every way, just like professional.