TIP! Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

The key to mastering the game of basketball is practice. Of course, you need to understand the basic techniques before you can actually practice them. This text helps you get the shot in every time.

TIP! You have to know how to bounce pass properly. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. This action most be quick to work out. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

TIP! Free throws have a huge mental element to them. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own. This is perfectly acceptable. In solo games, you can accomplish quite a bit. Work on free throws or three pointers. There is always something to practice.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. This helps to develop passing skills with your teammates, making it much more difficult if you’re standing in one spot and not dribbling.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

TIP! Before, during and after the season, play out games by yourself. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with.

Concentrate on your shoulders if you have gotten into a shooting slump. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. You’ll want to ensure that your shoulders are squared up towards the hoops. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.

TIP! Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Can you get better at something? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them.

Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. This is because the ball returns to you hand faster, so the opposing team has less of a chance to get it. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.

TIP! Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court.

Defensive players need to stay low. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something. Stay in a defensive stance. If you break form in an attempt to shot block, return to the proper form as soon as you can.

TIP! In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

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! You need to take a charge anytime you can. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor.

AS you dribble the basketball down the court, keep your knees bent. Opposing players can steal the ball more easily if you stand up straight because you can’t control the ball as well. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

TIP! Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. If you’re able to become more ambidextrous, you are going to be able to better control it on the court.

Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. In the middle of a game, lots of dribbling situations will arise. You will have many opponents swarming you. Because of this, you must be able to dribble efficiently regardless of your body’s position. This allows you to get yourself out of a tough spot.

TIP! When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. Standing straight makes it hard to control the ball.

Become a better basketball player even if you know how to play. With one simple tip, your skills can improve. Over time, you will see steady improvement in all aspects of your game.