TIP! The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

What is there to know about the game of basketball? How do you become a great player and be able to show appreciation for the game? The article below has the information you need to know to accomplish your basketball goals.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. That action has to be done fast to be successful. Once you have learned how to do a crossover, you can travel down the court quickly.

TIP! Practice your pass catching often. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. They are merely making up the play on the spot. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

Practice layups often. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Never turn away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what’s coming. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. It’s smart to get the ball to bounce about 75% to the receiving player. There are other factors you have to think about too, however.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports.

Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

TIP! Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else.

Want to trick the other team? The back pass is perfect for this. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it.

If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. Having a strong base allows the player a solid position from which to jump and accelerate during the game to help speed up their movements.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. It can be very confusing to your opponents.

One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Do you have an area where you excel? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Remember to maintain contact with the ball through your fingers only.

TIP! Never pass up a charging opportunity. 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.

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. Honestly and openly assess your own performance. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

TIP! Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. You will have more control as you use it to do daily activities that require dexterity.

Are you aware of the answers to the questions you have? Do you want to show off your new skills? Do you think this article has helped you figure out how to be a more effective basketball player? Use these tips and you’ll soon see yourself improve drastically.