TIP! If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

Basketball is a widely popular sport with many fans. Part of keeping your fans happy is giving them something to cheer about. It takes practice and a willingness to work on all aspects of the game. You can be a better basketball player. Here are many great ways to bring your game skills to the level you have always wanted.

TIP! Perfect your layup technique. Almost 80% of shots will be layups.

You can learn to trick the opposing team. Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. You can still do a lot on your own. Work on free throws and pivot moves. Additionally, you can practice vertical jumping and dribbling.

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back.

You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. Also, moving either foot when trying to set a screen, pick or take a charge results in a foul call.

Free Throw

TIP! Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

TIP! To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.

TIP! In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Take them out of their own comfort zone.

Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills.

Keep low when you play defense. This helps you jump fast and react quickly. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. The only time you should be out of your stance is when you are jumping to block an opponent shooting.

TIP! Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand.

To better three-point shooting, try using NBA distance as the minimum. The established International standard line is closer, as are the high school and college lines. If you get it from the NBA range, your open looks will have deeper range than defense will mind you until you begin hitting.

TIP! Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length.

Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot. Don’t look at the target until you are in the air. This is a good way to simulate real game-time conditions and increase accuracy.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position.

Keep your dribbling consistent until the time you want to confuse your opponent. By dribbling consistently and then breaking it up into a different rhythm that’s fast, you can trick an opponent so you have more time to shoot. Changing the speed is part of what confuses your opponent, but the difference in sound can throw him off, as well.

TIP! In order to improve your weaker hand, make use of it for everyday things, such as brushing your teeth, eating out of a spoon, etc. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity.

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to improve your game. A better player has more fans and more applause. From the players to the spectators, everyone has a part in a game. The player’s role is to give the team his all. Remember these tips to become a dependable player who is welcome on any team.