Folks of all persuasions have long been enamored with the sport of basketball. However, many people don’t know what involves really mastering the game. The following article is provided as a way to help better your basketball skills no matter how good a skill level you possess.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. When done correctly, the crossover dribble help you to change direction in order to move down the court efficiently.

TIP! Practice your defense more than your offense. Many times, defense actually wins the game.

Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.

Use hand signals to avoid errant passes. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket. Avoid this with hand signals that let you know if the player is open to receiving the pass. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.

In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. These will both require powerful footwork.

TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

Always be aware of your feet. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.

Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! Look forward when dribbling. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough.

Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. Practice this by bouncing the ball hard between your legs as you take a step forward or back. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

There isn’t any doubt that people from all over the world and from most age groups enjoy basketball. The secret to both enjoying a good game and playing a good game is personal knowledge. Keep that in mind, and use the tips here so your love of the game will keep you reaching new and positive heights.