TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

Basketball is something for everyone, whether you’re a guy or gal. Anyone can play. Your friends will definitely be impressed by your moves if you practice. Wait, what did you learn? Read on to discover a variety of tips and tricks to improve your game.

TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that.

When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Keep dribbling the ball even while you’re doing your errands. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

TIP! You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. Of course, there are also other factors involved.

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.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.

TIP! If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. Basketball is challenging physical sport and you can get injured.

Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. Pay attention to dominant hands. When you know your opponent, you will be better able to play an effective defensive game. One of the most important keys to being a solid defender is an understanding of your opponent.

TIP! When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off.

If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

TIP! In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Look away when you practice passing. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. Not only will they not see the pass coming, they may think a pass is going in the opposite direction. It can be a really powerful move in the game.

TIP! You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.

Free Throws

TIP! Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. When you stay consistent, you get better success. You can shoot better free throws by making sure you use the same exact routine every time, and of course practice. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.

TIP! To become a great player talk with your teammates and learn what they have planned. It takes the efforts of an entire team to succeed.

To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. It will be much easier to blow past your opponent if you can dribble with both hands. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. Soon, you will be able dribble with your weaker hand as well as you can with your dominant hand.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to 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.

Now you can show off your skills the next time you play. You might have gained some useful tips that your friends don’t even know about. Never forget that the game should always be fun. Remember that winning is its own reward.