TIP! Look forward when dribbling. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

Even the best basketball player does not know everything about the sport. Players are getting better and you must keep learning to be competitive. Want to better your opponents? Read on to give you an edge over the competition.

TIP! Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

TIP! Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

TIP! Frequent pass catching practice is important. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect.

Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you are unprepared, you may lose the match fast.

TIP! Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Try a pass back! Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

Would you like to fool the opposing team? Make use of the back pass. To start, grab the ball using your good hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. This is a good way to trick your opponents.

TIP! One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! Basketball players must be fast. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

Never play through an injury on the court. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

TIP! You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Make sure that you’ve watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. Knowing an opponent’s dribbling, passing and shooting styles gives you a definite edge on defense. The strongest defenders are those who have information.

TIP! A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Don’t let them get comfortable.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

TIP! To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball.

Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents. Not only will they not see the pass coming, they may think a pass is going in the opposite direction. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand.

Now you should know what it takes to be a better player. We have chosen them specifically to help you become a better player. Just keep learning and practicing to stay at the top of your game. Keep these tips in mind as you begin to enhance and sharpen your basketball skills.