TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing.

It is so easy to learn basic basketball. That’s probably why it is so popular. You can learn the basics in several minutes. Once you get started, though, you will undoubtedly want to learn more, and this article is a great starting point.

TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. It has to be done fast to be effective. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

TIP! Do not practice solely against zone defense. Learn how to play a man-to-man defense and a zone defense to get the best understanding of how the game works.

It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Non-professionals should focus on having good balance to ensure good shots. As time passes, you will make more and more baskets with this method.

TIP! When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

Bounce Pass

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.

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game.

Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

TIP! To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time.

Don’t dribble during your drills. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. It may seem nearly impossible at first, but over time your team will learn to throw accurate passes and be in good position to receive them.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. Although this might seem tricky in the beginning, this can really help your game if you can master this skill.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. This will confuse your opponents. If you’re doing it correctly you can fake your opponent out so he/she moves towards that direction and then you pass the ball to a wide open teammate for a shot. If this is pulled off, then it usually has good results.

TIP! A key play on defense is to draw a charge. Turnovers are an important part of the game that can end up giving your team the upper hand.

Being a good defensive player means disrupting the game of your opponent. Don’t let them get comfortable. Execute your moves with aggression. Don’t let them dictate the game. Otherwise, the opponents will win all the shots and dominate you. To avoid this, stay aggressive and try to interrupt their thought patterns and rhythm.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position.

To create a trapping machine in a standard 2-3 zone, have your two top defenders or your guards wait until point guard is about 10 feet from the time line or midcourt. Then, they need to run at the point guard to trap him. Have forwards sprint to players on the wing. Their point guard will probably hurl a pass that is easy for your own forwards to steal.

TIP! When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. Staying low will help you to be a more swift opponent when you mirror the man standing in your path.

To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. To improve further, work on fast dribbling just before shooting. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. This can help you simulate the conditions of the game and also helps you improve accuracy.

TIP! Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. Being more dexterous means you will have better control.

Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass the ball. When you cease dribbling, you’re really limiting your options. If you opt to not pass or shoot, you’re left with pivoting on your back foot. The opposition will cling onto you like a magnet.

TIP! Practice rhythmic dribbling up until the point you wish to shake an opposing player. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage.

Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game. You’ll have people guarding you on all sides. You must dribble while you make your body lean in various directions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.

TIP! Make a strong team both off and on the basketball court. Basketball teams that work together well can take the game to a new level.

Make sure your dribble is consistent until you decide to shake up the opposing player. You can surprise the opponent by changing up your dribbling. Even a slight change in the sound the ball makes when you dribble can throw another player off balance.

TIP! If you are aware that the person holding the ball has a weak hand, you should make them use it. For example, if your opponent is right handed, force them to use their left hand.

If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. If you play all the time, you need to eat carbs on a regular basis. Don’t neglect protein and fat, though. For example, you might incorporate whole grain products, lean means, nuts, and peanut butter into your meals. Try not to use too much salt or sugar.

TIP! If you guard someone that bigger than you are, try staying between the person with the ball and them. This will stop them from being open for a pass, ensuring that they don’t get the ball as they would likely be able to shoot it right over you.

You have to know how to change the path of your opponent. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical. This opens up passing lanes and shooting chances when you’re on offense and can help create turnovers when you’re on defense.

TIP! Arguing with referees is never a good idea. You can ask a question, and you might not agree with all the calls they make.

When you come back down to earth from a rebound, try to land so that your legs are spread out wider than your shoulders to give your balance a boost. Keep the ball to your chest and hold it with two hands. Be mindful of your elbows, since hitting an opponent with them is a foul.

TIP! Contest every one of your opponent’s attempted shots. That’s the case even if you aren’t assigned to the shooter.

Maybe you’ve only recently learned basketball. Maybe you are a long-time player. Either way, the information located above can assist you in becoming a great ball player. Use these tips when you are ready to play again.