TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Basketballs is indeed an exciting, fast-paced sport that many people enjoy. But, to really play it well, there are several things to keep in mind. Read the tips below to become more knowledgeable about basketball.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands.

Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. It should be done quickly. Once you master the art of the crossover dribble, you will be able to change directions quicker.

TIP! To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team.

Keep practicing your layups. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

TIP! Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! It is important that you see how other people play the game. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.

TIP! Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot. You’ll want to ensure that your shoulders are squared up towards the hoops. You should also make sure that your dominant shoulder is lined up with the rim.

TIP! You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Force them into an uncomfortable zone.

Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

TIP! A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking.

The best free throws come as a result of routine. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

TIP! If you are in a defensive position, keep yourself low. Doing so improves your reaction time with regards to your opponents’ actions.

Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.

TIP! You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

Make sure that you can see clearly. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes. Your peripheral vision should be the best it can be. By seeing the court well, you can anticipate defensive moves as well as what all your teammates are doing. Good vision is vital to basketball success.

TIP! Work on dribbling the ball while switching the momentum of the body from side to side. This will happen during games frequently.

Accept a charge when you can. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.

TIP! Be sure you’re doing the right kinds of exercises off the court to help you on it. Sprints helps with individual plays, and long-distance running gives you stamina.

As this article has proven to you, basketball is one of the most enjoyable sports in the whole world. This article has helped to show that continual learning is a part of really excelling at the sport. Apply the tips you’ve just been given, and turn yourself into a star basketball player.