TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot.

No one will try to fix a problem with their car’s engine without researching how it is done right. The same goes for working on your basketball skills. This article has many great expert basketball tips in it.

TIP! Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team.

The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. Try dribbling even when walking to a store. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

TIP! Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. That action has to be done fast to be successful. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

TIP! To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else.

Always work on your layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

TIP! Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents.

One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. Go to actual games or watch on TV. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move.

If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

TIP! You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? You should try a back pass. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you. Finally, flick your wrist towards the direction in which you wish that ball to travel. This is a very useful trick to confuse the opposing team.

TIP! When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier.

Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket. Avoid this with hand signals that let you know if the player is open to receiving the pass. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! If you want a 2-3 zone to be turned into a machine that traps, your two defenders that are guarding should wait until your point guard is around ten feet past mid court. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can. If you are just stepping into position, you now have to secure the spot. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! If you wish to shoot on the outside better you should work on shooting hundreds of times every day from a lot of places on the court. Also practice transitioning from dribbling to a quick shot.

Dribble with force to prevent the ball from being stolen. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.

TIP! Practice dribbling by switching momentum. Real game dribbling has a lot of variety.

Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride. Mastering this skill can help you to really improve your game.

TIP! Stay low and dribble the ball below the level of your knees. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you.

Make sure that you can see clearly. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. Tunnel vision makes it difficult to play effectively, so try to view the entire court and all players.

TIP! Build your team up at all times. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well.

When you learn by developing a skill, you will be proud. Learning what you need to better your game is the icing on the cake. Learning to play effectively will help you win games and impress your teammates.