TIP! Learn proper dribbling. Use fingertips to dribble.

Surely you know that the greatest basketball stars had to practice and develop their skills. Do you really want to be a good basketball player? By reviewing this piece, you will have what you need to tweak your game for the better.

TIP! If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Never look at the ball; instead, look forward.

TIP! Perfect your bounce pass. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist.

Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. This must be done quickly to be successful. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.

TIP! One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. This helps to develop passing skills with your teammates, making it much more difficult if you’re standing in one spot and not dribbling.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. What areas are your strong points? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. This causes the ball to return to your hand more quickly, so the offense has less time to try to get it away from you.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. This play gets your team possession of the ball and a foul against your opponent.

Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you. If you have an opponent who is guarding you relentlessly, it is time to pass the ball.

TIP! Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better.

Can you see well? Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. You want to be sure that your peripheral vision is at its best. If you scan the entire court, not just the location of the ball, it is possible to anticipate defense moves in advance and see which teammates are open.

TIP! If you want to improve your three-point shooting, try and do it from the NBA distance, at a minimum. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

In order to confuse the offense, try changing your pace. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. The guard will assume you’re slowing down and start to straighten up, too. You should push and get past them as they straighten themselves.

TIP! To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots.

Stay low when you play defense. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier. Stay in your defensive stance. If you find you have to abandon your stance to do some blocking, get back into formation as fast as you can.

TIP! Dribble with a rhythm, that is until you need to outsmart your opponents. Dribbling somewhat slowly, then suddenly dribbling fast might give you the opening you need to take a shot.

If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. Then they need to get to the guard on point to trap him. It also lets you have forwards on blocks sprint to the wing players. A pass should be thrown by the point guard for forwards to steal.

TIP! Once you have possession of the basketball, know when to pass and when to take a shot. It’s better to work with others to get a good shot than if you’re someone who ruins a game due to a poor shot.

Keep your dribbling in a rhythm until you want to throw your opponent off guard. Your opponent is looking for the best opportunity to steal the ball, and switching it up can break their concentration. Not only the speed change, but the sound change is what confuses them most.

TIP! Passing should be an integral part of your game. Passing keeps your opponent guessing and on their toes.

Now, you can take some action by using the tips and tricks this article has given you to do. Over time you will see progress if you stick to a plan, practice regularly and never give up. Those three things are keys to success.