TIP! While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Victory requires the ability to play defense.

There is always more to learn about basketball. Things change on a regular basis and there are different tactics you can use. Want an edge on the competition? Continue reading to find out how you can improve your game.

TIP! It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand.

If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it.

Balance is important when shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

Bounce Pass

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.

Practice your bounce pass. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try a back pass. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax yourself and concentrate on your shot.

TIP! Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times.

Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. If the person doesn’t make a signal the person shouldn’t get passed to.

TIP! If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! Workout to increase flexibility and strength in your hands and forearms. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually.

One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Once you have a solid idea of your opponent, you can dial in on the best way to defend. A person that knows about defending makes a strong defender.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Those who do very well at this sport have a combination of stamina and strength.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. The dominant shoulder needs to be aligned correctly with the rim.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. After you halt the dribble, your options become quite limited.

Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

TIP! To become a much better basketball player, try speaking with teammates and learning what they do. The sport of basketball is truly a team game.

In order to be more reliable shooting free throws, practice your routine. Focus on your shot and eliminate all outside distractions. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.

TIP! Dribble with a rhythm, that is until you need to outsmart your opponents. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage.

Practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

TIP! You need to practice many types of shots on the basketball court. You should first practice on balancing and your grip.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Don’t ever believe you’re going to be able to stand still, receive a pass and take a shot. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.

TIP! It is necessary to be capable of altering the path of your opponent. Whether you’re playing defense or offense, it’s crucial to control the other player’s movements.

Be sure your vision is unobstructed. This isn’t just for reading the score, but for catching passes and making shots. You want to be sure that your peripheral vision is at its best. Having good court awareness to see everything around you lets you see plays develop before they happen, either by warding off the defenders or getting the ball to open teammates.

TIP! Do not double dribble. Double dribbling happens when you’ve stopped dribbling once, and then start again a few seconds later.

Now you should know what it takes to be a better player. We have chosen them specifically to help you become a better player. Practice is the only way to master the game and it is a never ending learning process. Use the advice from this article to help improve your game.