TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand.

What basketball information should I know? How should I educate myself so that I can turn into a better player? This article will provide you with great tips that will come in handy the next time that you go to play a game of basketball.

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Give the back pass a try! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Now hold the ball behind you.

You need good balance when you shoot. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. They improvise to do that. By focusing on balance in your shot, you will develop the consistency needed to be a great scorer.

TIP! If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.

Practice catching passes as often as you can. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. Be a better teammate by anticipating a bad pass to make sure it doesn’t get into the opponents hands.

TIP! If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

Don’t just practice your game against the zone defense. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up. When you don’t know how to defeat it, you will lose.

TIP! Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Although it’s true that strong muscles are beneficial, additional bulk can impede your ability to play effectively along the perimeter. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

TIP! Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Refine this skill by bouncing a ball with force between the legs while stepping backwards or forwards.

Need to dupe the opposition? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Hold the basketball with your writing hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. That’s OK! There’s still a lot that you can do playing on your own. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound.

One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride.

Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant should be in line with the rim.

TIP! If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing.

A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them away from their comfort zone. Be aggressive in the moves you execute. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. If you let them, you’ll be at their mercy. You should make the initial move and throw them off.

TIP! To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer.

Do you understand what it takes now? Are you ready to take the court by storm? Can you handle becoming an even better basketball player as a result of reading this article? Spend plenty of time on drills, use the tips that work for you and most of all, have fun!