TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover.

All kinds of people love the game of basketball. However, being the top player in the game is not the easiest path. Genetics, athleticism and practice may make you a star, but everyone can enjoy a game of b-ball. Keep reading so that you can find out some helpful information concerning basketball as a sport.

TIP! Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist.

Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Many times, defense actually wins the game. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

TIP! Free throws are mental as well as physical. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. Take the ball with you wherever you go. 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! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

Successful Free

TIP! When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury.

Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. You must train both your body and your mind. You are more likely to make more successful free throws if you relax and focus on the basket.

TIP! In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well.

Practice using different types of defenses. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back.

Keep your weight lifting to a minimum as a jump shooter. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique.

You can play basketball solo before and during the season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. There’s nothing wrong with that. You’ll still be able to get a lot done when playing solo. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand.

You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Pay attention to how they play. You should know if a player is right or left handed. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.

TIP! To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them.

If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Practice this by bouncing the ball hard between your legs as you take a step forward or back. Mastering this skill will provide you with a major advantage on the court.

TIP! Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This throws your opponents off. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It really can be a powerful technique.

Free Throw

TIP! In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball.

Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

TIP! To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him.

Do you want to show off your skills? Consider first practicing the pointers in this article. Get excited, get energized, get motivated, and get out there on the court! The skills you work on will improve in no time.

Available for Amazon Prime