TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

Many people have a love for basketball and have for some time. There are many people that don’t know how to play. No matter your skill level, this article will provide you with some helpful tips.

TIP! Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offense gets attention and praise, but when you lack good defense, any team can lose.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.

TIP! Make sure to practice catching passes. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.

A bounce pass is essential to learn. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. But, there are some factors that can change this.

TIP! Find out what your teammates like most about how you play? Do they feel you are really good at something? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

Free throws have a huge mental element to them. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.

TIP! Don’t let the ball go behind your back. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles.

Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

TIP! A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. Soon, you will be able dribble with your weaker hand as well as you can with your dominant hand.

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

When you have the chance, take charge. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent. Not only that, your opponents may become confused or frustrated and stop playing their game plan.

Strength Training

TIP! Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. When you stop, your options are limited.

It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game. Basketball requires a lot of sprinting and jumping. When they become teens, try using weights to keep enhancing their exercises. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

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

Always bend the knees while dribbling. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

TIP! Be sure not to double dribble. You get called for double dribbling if you stop your dribble and then begin again.

Dribble with a rhythm, that is until you need to outsmart your opponents. You can surprise the opponent by changing up your dribbling. Both the speed and the sound will contribute to confusing the player that is guarding you.

TIP! Take advantage of a player that shows weakness with a particular hand by forcing them to that side. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand.

Work on taking shots from various on-court locations. Begin with practicing your grip and balance. Sometimes you are forced into off-balanced shots, but that only makes you less accurate. The basketball’s air valve can be used to aid in perfecting your grip. Cover the valve with your palm, and spread your fingers around the ball.

A missed shot from the corner often results in the ball landing on the opposite side of the net. It may bounce back right into the opponent’s hands.

Stop Dribbling

TIP! The pump fake is a great shot to use. The pump fake is among the most powerful of all shooting tactics.

Avoid double dribbling. A double dribble is when you stop dribbling, then start again. Remember that if you do stop dribbling, your options are limited to shooting or passing to a teammate. You cannot return to dribbling again. If you double dribble the ball will be given to the other team.

TIP! Stop any shots your opponents try to take. This applies even if the person shooting the ball isn’t the one you are supposed to cover.

Your position immediately before and after a rebound can help determine whether or not you will keep possession. Jump using both feet for increased power and stability and grab the ball using both hands. After rebounding the ball, land with your feet wider than your shoulders for better balance and keep the ball close to your chest.

TIP! You pick up skills faster if you concentrate at all times. This applies to time spent during practice, games, and even in the locker room.

Basketball brings pleasure to many different kinds of people. You have to have the right information to truly enjoy and play the game, though. This information will help you to get your skills to the highest level.