TIP! You have to know how to bounce pass properly. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist.

You know how much practice being the star basketball player is. Even if you’re only playing fun, don’t you want to play well? The following tips will help you improve your game.

TIP! Practice catching passes as often as you can. You should practice catching errant passes, along with perfectly executed ones.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? You should try a back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. This should be something you do quickly. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds.

Making a free throw takes mental concentration as well as physical prowess. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it.

Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. Consistent, repetitive drilling is the key to speed. But do not try to play faster than you are able. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.

TIP! Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

TIP! Be sly on your soles to catch rebounds from free-throws your own team members are making. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them.

Make layups count by taking off with the foot that is opposite to your shooting hand. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.

TIP! 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 may not seem feasible, but once you master it, your speed and stride will be truly impressive.

Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. When you stay consistent, you get better success. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

TIP! Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control.

It is time for you to take the tips here and put them into action. You’ll get better a little bit at a time if you keep the tips here in mind and practice them as well. Before you know it, you will be a superior player.