Nobody tries to fix a car without understanding what’s wrong. You shouldn’t think you can play basketball without learning about the game, either. Use these tips to improve you game to an expert level.

Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. A good crossover dribble can give you the opportunity to switch directions and progress on the court much faster.

TIP! Practice shooting free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes. Keep your emotions in check if quality passing is not happening right away as it takes time to perfect this part of the game.

Quality footwork will help you get better shots. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop. You need to be sure your spot is secure. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You develop a good feel for the game around you, making it much easier to quickly react to your opponent. Knowing where the other players are on the court helps you open passing lanes and gives you more opportunities to take a shot.

TIP! Practice your layups a lot. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Do not allow the palm of your hand to make contact with the ball. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

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. Pay attention to dominant hands. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.

Free Throws

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. Inconsistency does not make a better shot. You can shoot better free throws by making sure you use the same exact routine every time, and of course practice. If you break your routine, you’ll start missing shots.

To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours. Make aggressive plays. You don’t want the defense choosing your plays so to speak. Your opponent will take any opportunity to give you the run around. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.

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

When you learn how to fix your car yourself, you will have a sense of pride unrivaled by any other. Find out how these useful tips can make you a better basketball player. Your skill and ability will help your team win and gain the appreciation of the members of your team.