TIP! Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

Basketball is more than a game for gym class. Basketball can be played at the park, driveway or at the local rec center. If you love basketball, this content allows you to perfect your game.

TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

Make sure to dribble properly. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Keep the ball by your side as you dribble instead of right in front your body. Keep your head up and do not look at the ground.

TIP! Always work on your layups. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. Bring the ball no matter where you go. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. It needs to get to the player at their waist. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.

TIP! Do not only practice zone defense plays. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn. This is a great way to learn new techniques to try out on the court.

TIP! Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

Have your team mates critique your playing skills. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.

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.

Practice passing while not looking in the direction of the pass. It can be very confusing to your opponents. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

TIP! When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

Be slick with your feet so you can get a rebound from a teammate. Slip around the defender moving your way and get the ball. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.

TIP! A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. When you stay consistent, you get better success.

Try some drills that require you to move the basketball from one end of the court to the other in no more than five dribbles. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.

TIP! Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away.

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. This is a great way to take control of the court and intimidate the other team.

Strength Training

TIP! If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. Letting the other guy run into you stops the game without having to use a time out, and adds another four to the opponent’s total.

Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. In addition, stamina is important to the game, too. Even little kids who play basketball will develop more overall body strength. As they become adolescents, let them start using weights for added benefits. The adult years are where strength training is crucial to maintain solid performance on the court.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. Using both hands when playing is an important skill if you can develop it when you’re not playing.

Whether you enjoy the occasional casual game or compete in local tournaments, improving your skills on the court can help you get more out of the game. You’ve taken the time to read this article, now go one step further by making use of it. If you learn new skills, your game will improve.