TIP! When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

For decades, people have enjoyed basketball. It allows people to compete but have fun at the same time. If you wish to learn how to play your best basketball, you should practice often. Don’t stop, because this article is going to give you the information you need.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques.

Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. This allows you to control the ball better. You should be dribbling the ball at your side instead of in front of your body. The ball should always be dribbled at waist level. Always look up and never look down at the ground.

TIP! A bounce pass is essential to learn. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received.

Learn the best way to make your free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Try using this technique in practicing. Hold the ball level with your head. Use visualization to imagine the goal occurring. Shoot the basketball exactly as you saw in your mind.

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with.

Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent.

It is important that you practice layups. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.

Strong Core

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This will easily confuse your opponents.

If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A strong core helps the legs move better, like jumping higher and running faster.

TIP! Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand.

If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. As you approach the goal, plant your foot and then straighten up.

Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Gaining agility and speed will give you the upper hand when playing a game of basketball. Fast play is a result of heavy drilling. Do not try playing faster than you can. By playing beyond your speed capabilities, you will quickly lose control of the ball, which will lead to bad passes, bad shots, and turnovers.

TIP! In order to help develop your non-dominant hand, you should use that hand only when trying to open things, and also when brushing your teeth. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better.

Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. You have to be ready to move fast and change directions on a dime.

TIP! Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance.

You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop. Now you can achieve a proper rebound and not commit a foul.

Strength Training

TIP! You need to control your nerves when shooting the ball. Stay focused on the hoop.

Strength training can improve your game. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Young children that play can even benefit from strengthening arms and legs through proper exercise. As they get older you can use weights to help enhance their performance. When you get to be an adult is when you want to concentrate on strength training to help improve durability on the court.

TIP! If the opposing team is playing zone defense, a penetrating dribble can beat them. If you or another player can find a crease in the zone, the other team will have to swarm to the ball.

By learning important tips and taking them to the practice court, eventually you will see how much better you get at this game. Take your time and go over other articles as well as videos so that you can keep learning more. Keep all this information in mind to become better.