TIP! When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand.

Even the best players don’t fully know all the changes and intricacies of the game. The game changes constantly, players get better and you have to keep your skills sharp. Give yourself a leg up on the competition. Read on to learn how you can gain a basketball edge.

TIP! You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique.

Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Take you ball with you everywhere. Try dribbling even when walking to a store. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

TIP! Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. This is simply an improvised move. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Give the back pass a try! To start, grab the ball using your good hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling. Don’t let your palms touch it. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

TIP! Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot.

Quickness is a virtue in basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

TIP! Create a routine to improve your free throw success. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses. Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. This gives you an unfettered view of how you actually performed on the court, rather than relying solely on your memory of the game.

TIP! Can you see well? Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass. Peripheral vision is important during game play.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t assume that you are able to just stand anywhere, catch the ball and shoot it. You must move the ball to have things happen.

TIP! In order to confuse the offense, try changing your pace. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body.

Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Great peripheral vision is an asset. By seeing the court well, you can anticipate defensive moves as well as what all your teammates are doing. Good vision is vital to basketball success.

TIP! Remain low when playing defense. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly.

Stay low when playing defense. Doing this allows you to have quick reactions, especially to your opponent. You must always utilize the proper defensive stance. The only time you should be out of your stance is when you are jumping to block an opponent shooting.

TIP! You can strengthen you weaker hand by using it as much as possible, for instance open jars or even brush your teeth. If you can become more dexterous with it in all aspects of your life, you will be bettering your control of it.

Now you have the knowledge about how to improve those court skills. You need all the information you can get to get and stay on top. Keep learning and practicing every day. You can get started with taking your game farther by remembering all you have read.