TIP! Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player.

Basketball has been around for a long time, since Dr. James Naismith, way back in 1891. Since then, it has blown up to become one of the most popular sports of our time. There were many great basketball players. Many basketball players enjoy a celebrity status, thanks to their skills. If learning from their success is what you want, then you should read this article.

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. If order for the maneuver to be a success, it has to be performed with speed. Once you have learned how to do a crossover, you can travel down the court quickly.

TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do.

Always work on your layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

TIP! Balance is essential to shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

Work on pass catches. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. During a game, not all of your passes will hit the mark. Learn how to catch any sort of throw.

Accurate Passes

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. It may seem nearly impossible at first, but over time your team will learn to throw accurate passes and be in good position to receive them.

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Trick them using a back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around. Don’t forget not to cross your feet, and you won’t be easy to get around.

TIP! A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them out of their comfort zone.

Dribble the ball below knee level. This makes it more difficult for the opponent to take the ball. It will be necessary to bend over, but you should be able to get down the court faster.

TIP! Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

Use the hand that doesn’t have the ball as a block. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! If you want to stay in a good defensive position, simply avoid breaking out of your defensive stance. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

Exercise off the court. You can run longer distances to build up stamina. To build speed, try doing wind sprints. Both are necessary for playing good ball. Lift weights to build your power. You will be able to shoot well with this confidence and aggression.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball.

Practice shooting the ball from many different areas in order to improve your ability. Start out by practicing grip and balance. Shooting when you are not in balance is less accurate, but it is possible. You can use the valve to find your perfect grip. Put the middle of your palm over the valve.

TIP! You can make the 2-3 zone a lot more dangerous by having two defenders stay in this zone until a point guard is beyond the time line. This is when they should trap him.

Work together with the other players on the team. Basketball teams can achieve greatness when the whole team blends cohesively. If you feel like you know your teammates like the back of your hand, and you trust them too, then you’ll see your game lifted to new heights!

TIP! For your weaker hand, to build skills, use it off-court for as much as you can, from brushing teeth to opening jars. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand.

You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. No matter what side of the ball you’re on, being able to direct your opponents movements is key to winning. That will ensure you control the game.

Double Dribbling

TIP! You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your outside shooting game. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot.

Double dribbling is a huge no-no. Double dribbling happens when you’ve stopped dribbling once, and then start again a few seconds later. After you stop dribbling, your only options are to shoot or pass. You cannot simply dribble again. Doing so results in a turnover, and your opponent will be given control of the ball.

TIP! Double dribbling is considered a foul. A double dribble occurs when you’re done dribbling one time and then begin to do it again a little while afterwards.

Be aware of your position when a shot is made so you can be in a good spot to grab a rebound. Jump using both of your feet to gain greater balance and control and grab the ball with two hands. After the ball rebounds, keep your feed wider apart than your shoulders to improve your balance, and hold the ball closely to your chest.

TIP! When you come back down to earth from a rebound, try to land so that your legs are spread out wider than your shoulders to give your balance a boost. Hold the ball with two hands tightly against your chest.

Try to force your opponent to rely on their non-dominant hand. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand. Keep your center of gravity low at all times so that your chance to steal the ball remains high at all times.

TIP! In order to have good court awareness you must have a sense of who has the ball and where it is at all times. Rebounds are very important in the game.

Manage your nerves whenever you shoot. Maintain focus on the basket. Try training your eyes to go back towards the rim when shooting. When shooting layups, be sure you are using the backboard.

TIP! Recognize the bad aspects of your game. Be very honest when thinking about your game.

If you’re playing regulation basketball, you need a hoop that is ten feet high, a large court and ten players. You’ll need a bit of knowledge to play the best that you can. This article is a great start to you becoming the best player that you can be.