TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games.

Even the best professional doesn’t know everything about basketball. The game changes constantly, so you have to learn the nuances of the modern game. Learn to get the upper-hand of your competition. Continue reading for the best basketball tips.

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. It should be done quickly. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. 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.

If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

Errant Passes

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back.

Practice catching passes as often as you can. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.

TIP! When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass.

Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. If you have not practiced enough on this scenario, you could run afoul of the scoreboard very fast.

TIP! Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds.

Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. Once there, you have to firmly claim the area as your own. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. Inconsistency does not make a better shot.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Are you skilled at something? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

TIP! If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better. You can use this information to improve your game. Sometimes you have to face reality about your skills and just not dream about how you want to be.

Consistent Routine

TIP! Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! Be sure you’re doing the right kinds of exercises off the court to help you on it. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game.

Look away when you practice passing. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. It’s a great play if done properly.

TIP! Build your team up at all times. Basketball is a sport that goes so much further when a team truly connects.

Now you should be a more confident basketball player. Each tip can improve your game. Do not stop learning, and do not stop practicing. Use the advice from this article to help improve your game.