TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect.

Basketball has always been a loved sport, and so while the game is a competition, it is also fun. When you want to master this game, practice is key. You will gain irreplaceable knowledge by reading this article so keep on reading.

TIP! One great way to pass good is to drill when you can without dribbling. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes.

Dribble properly. Don’t use your palm to dribble. Instead, use your fingertips. This provides you with much more ball control. Bounce only at the level of your waist at the side and not in front. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter.

Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. The move must be done quickly if it is going to work. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

Practice your pass catching often. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect. When the game is being played, passes may not be as perfect as we’d like. Be a better teammate by anticipating a bad pass to make sure it doesn’t get into the opponents hands.

TIP! Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move.

Work on core strength when you work out. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

TIP! Build your core strength and work on your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. Although this might seem tricky in the beginning, this can really help your game if you can master this skill. This translates to simple layups, fast breaks or just a general increase in your team’s numbers.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes. You want your peripheral vision to be as good as it can. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

Strength Training

TIP! To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. When they become teens, try using weights to keep enhancing their exercises. As an adult, strength training becomes vital in order to play your best basketball.

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

To boost your ability with the weaker hand, try to use it for all daily tasks. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity. Your basketball skills will benefit.

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders.

You should always bend your knees while dribbling. If you are standing up straight, you will have more difficulty controlling the ball. Just bending a little bit at your knees can really help you to control the ball better.

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. You can shuffle your feet to either side, or push with your opposing foot, so you will be ready and in position.

One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. That is the furthest distance that you would ever have to shoot from to score a three. Putting in the shot from the NBA distance will give you an advantage over defenders who are not expecting it.

TIP! Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt.

Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling. If you don’t have the chance to shoot or pass, you can just pivot with the foot in the back. You leave the ball vulnerable to possible steal attempts and yourself open to being double teamed.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court.

What you eat can affect how you play. Basketball uses a lot of energy; therefore, it is important to fuel your body with lean protein and whole grains. Good foods that provide these essentials include nuts, lean meats and whole wheat breads. Sugars and salt should be used sparingly.

TIP! You should always bend your knees while dribbling. The ball is harder to control dribbling when you stand up straight.

For example, a misfired shot launched from the corner of a basketball court usually hits the net, bounces off the site, and lands on the opposite side. When someone is going for a corner shot, try to anticipate where a missed shot would land so you can be there for the rebound.

TIP! To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. An even better way to improve your accuracy is to practice shooting after pulling up from a dribble.

When you use these tips, you will have more fun when playing basketball. Take time to read this and visit basketball references online to learn more. Get all of the advice you can so that you’re able to do your best.