TIP! The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet.

It’s impossible to repair a car engine without proper research. How can you succeed at basketball without researching the sport first? This piece is full of ideas the pros utilize to improve their own game.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are won with a good defense. If your team doesn’t have a good defense, you’re not going to make it far in a game.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups.

Perfect your layup technique. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Practice catching passes often. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones.

A bounce pass is essential to learn. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. Although, there will be other circumstances that are involved too.

TIP! You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Trying to be tough so you can keep going, even when you’re just a little uncomfortable, can make an injury worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team.

Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Don’t let your palms touch it. You should only use your fingers to touch the ball when passing or shooting.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Are you really good at any one thing? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! Keep your eye on the ball. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Did you spot something that could be improved? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. There are times when it pays to view yourself realistically.

Free Throw

TIP! Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds.

High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and 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. Don’t dilly dally, but do complete your ritual.

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward. This technique can really throw off defenders.

TIP! If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists.

Ensure that you have good court awareness. This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard. Having excellent peripheral vision is vital to do well in this game. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

TIP! A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot.

Don’t cease dribbling until you get ready to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform. You can’t do anything but pivot if you don’t shoot or pass. The chances of the ball being stolen is high, and you might be double teamed as well.

TIP! A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. Avoid physical contact like pushing, but keep the ball from them by separating them from it. Just keep it raised a little while you dribble with your dribbling hand.

TIP! Strength and flexibility training can help your skills in basketball. In order to be the best you can at basketball, you need to be strong and hardy.

Gain pride and confidence by learning how to play the game with skill. Reading and learning as much as you can and transferring that knowledge onto the court will better your game. Learning to play effectively will help you win games and impress your teammates.