TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

Basketball was the result of one person’s dream, Dr. James Naismith back in 1891. Since that time, it’s exploded into a beloved sport by many. Whether it is Dr. J. Shaquille O’Neill is another celebrity forged by the sport. Check out more of this article to understand more about their success.

Shooting Free Throws

TIP! Practice using different types of defenses. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

Practice shooting free throws. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate. Practice this technique regularly. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up.

You need good balance when you shoot. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. They improvise to do that. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court.

Constantly practice layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. This technique helps improve your on-court layup skills.

Practice Catching

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position.

It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.

TIP! It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call.

To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. This is very challenging at first, but eventually it will really improve your entire team’s passing game.

TIP! To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time.

Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Muscle is good, but you can have too much. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

TIP! Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal.

You can learn to trick the opposing team. Try using a back pass! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Flip your wrist towards the site where you want the ball to go. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.

TIP! Be certain that your vision is the best it can be. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent. That should not matter. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting or you can practice doing free throws. You can always work on something.

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.

TIP! Keep the activity below the knees if possible. This makes it difficult for the ball to be stolen.

Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

TIP! Be sure to practice shooting from a variety of spots on the court. Start out by practicing grip and balance.

Dribbling the ball fast and hard will help you to keep better control of it. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. Regardless of your position, having this control allows you to limit the other player’s options.

In order to play, all you need is 9 more players, a hoop measured out at 10 feet, and a court that is nearly 100 feet in length. In order to play basketball well, you need to have a lot of knowledge. The above article is an excellent beginning. So, practice and keep learning to become a master.