TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. There are usually a lot of distractions when you are shooting free throws so you need to concentrate.

Practicing as much as possible will help you become a better basketball player. It is not only important to practice, but to improve through your practice as well. This text helps you get the shot in every time.

TIP! It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. This term refers to switching the hand you use. It has to be done fast to be effective. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games.

Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! Practice the skill of pass catching. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Stay calm and collected to increase your free throw percentage.

Perfect Passes

TIP! Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better.

It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. Help your team by learning to catch those bad passes, as well as those perfect passes.

TIP! If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often.

Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. That’s OK! You can still accomplish a lot when playing solo. Work on free throws and pivot moves. There are many things you can work on.

Strong Core

TIP! You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds.

Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. By developing a strong core, your legs will follow suit.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Do not waste time criticizing yourself.

Avoid turning away from the ball so that you can always be prepared for what occurs on the court. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes. Make sure you also have the court in your line of vision as well, so you know when and where you can drive in for the score.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Wrist curls are great for bettering your ball handling in basketball to the point where you could practically do it sleepwalking.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! It is important that you can clearly see everything that is occurring during a game. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. You can see where you can improve and what plays you missed. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

TIP! Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. As you approach the goal, plant your foot and then straighten up.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. Also, this will improve your balance as you approach the basket.

TIP! Keep low when you play defense. This helps you jump fast and react quickly.

Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer. The easiest way to make sure you’re doing great at free throws is to do repetitions of the same routines time and again. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. To improve even more, practice dribbling the basketball and then pull up fast for a quick shot.

To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball. This gets you the rebound without you committing a foul.

TIP! Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

Practice drills that force you to get the basketball to the other end of the court in less than 5 dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start. By working on this drill regularly you develop speed and great, lengthy strides. This can mean easy lay-ups on fast breaks, or just give your team numbers for a moment.

TIP! Take control of opposing players’ movements. Regardless of your position, having this control allows you to limit the other player’s options.

Whether you simply enjoy basket or live, breath, and eat the sport, you are sure to find value in what you’ve read. Begin with a single concept and see the improvements take hold. Improve your shooting, passing, and overall game control.