TIP! A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball.

Do you dream of becoming a huge basketball star? It takes years to be world-class players like they are, but you can improve your skills with hard work and dedication. You’ll find a lot of useful advice in this article.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too.

Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.

TIP! Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.

TIP! Play games against yourself in and out of season. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is physically demanding and you can easily get hurt.

If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. Be sure to seek medical care if you have a serious injury.

TIP! Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. What are your your best skill areas? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. It can be very confusing to your opponents. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. That will build your balance and help you stay in the right position.

Free Throw

TIP! When you dribble while playing basketball, focus on bending your knees. Standing straight makes it hard to control the ball.

A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

TIP! Keep dribbling until it is time to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop, your options are limited.

Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. If you look across the whole game and not just focus on the ball, you can see oncoming defensive pressure in advance, as well as open teammates.

TIP! Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. Sprinting will help you develop speed, while running long distances will help you develop great stamina.

Now that you have had a chance to read up on some great pointers, it’s time to get out and practice. It’s important to practice regularly and be confident with what you are doing. Remember what you’ve read here, and show everyone the player you really are.