TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player.

You can find people enamored with the sport of basketball all around the world. You can play a game with friends, or become a professional with enough effort. Read on to learn the ins and outs of basketball.

TIP! Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble the ball while you’re walking around. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

Receiving Player

TIP! Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. This means your pass should be aimed towards the receiving player at the level of his waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent.

Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. When a game is underway, not every throw will be perfect. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.

TIP! Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well.

You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

TIP! If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. If your teammate misses your signal, then they may miss the ball as well and the other team could gain possession.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

TIP! Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent.

Work on core strength when you work out. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

TIP! You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. The ball bounces faster, giving the guard less time to steal.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!

TIP! If an opponent charges at you, let him run into you. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball.

Now you know how to better your game. It is not a complicated game and a great form of exercise. So get out there and use the tips that will help up your game. Get started today and have a lot of fun!