TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

Basketball is a game played and loved by both genders. People from all walks of life are able to have a lot of fun when playing a game of basketball. Do you want to stun all your friends with your new skills? Basketball is a complex sport so there is always opportunity to improve your game. Continue reading this article to learn new things that you can try.

TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. You must do it fast for best success. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.

TIP! Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist.

Need to dupe the opposition? The back pass is perfect for this. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.

TIP! Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. Practice catching errant throws along with perfect passes.

Play by yourself to practice. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. No problem! It is possible to get a lot done even when playing alone. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Trick them using a back pass.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Both of those skills rely on solid footwork.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.

TIP! Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Find out what they perceive as your best skill.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball. Your palm should not be touching the ball. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! The best free throws come as a result of routine. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck.

Where are your feet? If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds. You will get called for walking if you take extra steps and are not dribbling. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.

TIP! If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. If someone is guarding you closely, stop dribbling and pass to someone else who is open on your team.

TIP! Good footwork can really help you to get those rebounds. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball.

When you have the chance, take charge. 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 may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.

TIP! Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. Plant a foot and start to straighten your body.

An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! Shoot from NBA distances to see your three-point skills improve. The standard line and college lines are much closer.

Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them. While they are doing that, the forwards should move out to the wings. This will likely cause the point guard to make a high, short pass, which your forwards will steal quite easily.

TIP! Practice your dribbling skills while shifting your momentum to alternate sides. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game.

Now you can show off your skills the next time you play. You may even have a few tricks up your sleeve. Keep in mind that basketball is supposed to be fun. Of course, winning is a great deal of fun!