TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult.

The number of people that have enjoyed watching and playing basketball can’t be overstated. In truth, most players still have things they can learn about the game that makes it more fun for them. Keep reading if you’d like to get some insight as to what you should do to get better at basketball.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Use fingertips to dribble. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. Dribble to your body’s side instead of doing it out front, and bounce the ball at your waist’s level. Always look upwards, never at the ground.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique.

Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

Core Muscles

TIP! Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. The stronger your core, the higher you will jump.

TIP! Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball.

Build hand signals so passes are more successful. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. Having found a good spot, you must secure it. The key to this relies on having good footwork.

TIP! Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Pay attention to open areas for passes, too.

TIP! If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.

TIP! It’s great to be quick in basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage.

Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. This will keep you balanced and going towards the basket.

TIP! Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs.

Basketball is great as a mode of exercise as well as a fun spectator pastime. But, if you really want to get the most out of the game of basketball, you have to learn all you can about it. Hopefully, this article has helped you learn a few things about the game.