TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

All over the world, people enjoy the simple sport of basketball. Each player is crucial to the team and has special skills. If you’re here to get educated on how you can become a better basketball player then continue to the article below.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. 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.

You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Basketball games are won because of good defense. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

Paying Attention

TIP! Play games against yourself in and out of season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

Keep your head up when you dribble. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. Paying attention to the ball means you’re not paying attention to the rest of the game.

TIP! When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. During the game, not all passes will go where they’re intended. Be a better teammate by anticipating a bad pass to make sure it doesn’t get into the opponents hands.

TIP! If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important.

Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. It’s okay! There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. You can practice free throws or pivot moves. There are always things that can be done.

Core Muscles

TIP! Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. Are you great at any one thing? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. A strong and solid core allows force that is generated via the legs to be used for helpful movements during the game like higher jumps and faster running.

TIP! When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it. Keep your palm off the ball too. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

TIP! Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. This will keep your body properly balanced with forward momentum.

TIP! Always be aware of your feet. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass.

To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. This will get you a rebound without having to commit a foul.

Peripheral Vision

TIP! Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This will easily confuse your opponents.

Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. You have to build your peripheral vision. Having good court awareness to see everything around you lets you see plays develop before they happen, either by warding off the defenders or getting the ball to open teammates.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop.

To help make the offense flow better it is a good idea to alter the pace. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. The offense will believe that you’re stopping or slowing down and may follow in your steps. As they do, push forward hard and run by them.

TIP! Ensure that you have good court awareness. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass.

When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. You will become faster and react faster. Maintain this low stance with arms raised until a shot or high pass is made. If you need to leave your feet in order to prevent your opponent from shooting the ball, quickly get back into that good defensive position.

TIP! Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve.

If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better. That can make your game better.

TIP! Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

Everyone who plays basketball works on finding ways to improve the skills they have. Once you have read these tips, you will be able to improve your game immensely. Keep these tips in mind during your next practice to improve your game.