TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

As far as basketball goes, the best players don’t even know everything about the sport. The game changes constantly, players get better and you have to keep your skills sharp. Do you want to be a good player? Keep reading so that you’re able to find that edge you desire.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. The action must be very swift if it is to be successful. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.

TIP! Make sure to practice catching passes. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes.

To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. Without a signal, there shouldn’t be a pass.

TIP! Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. Basketball is physically challenging, and injuries are not uncommon. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Do they feel you are really good at something? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

TIP! If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Don’t allow yourself to have your palm touching the ball either. Only your fingers should touch it during a pass or when dribbling.

TIP! Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. As you adopt this routine, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.

Free Throw

TIP! You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

TIP! An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.

TIP! Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This helps you jump fast and react quickly.

Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.

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. If you’re able to become more ambidextrous, you are going to be able to better control it on the court.

Now you should know what it takes to be a better player. These techniques will help improve your game. Never stop learning and always keep practicing. Use the information from above to take your skills to a new level.