Nobody is going to fix their car before they do research to find out how it’s done. How can you succeed at basketball without researching the sport first? Use the basketball tips you learned in the above article to make your game be as successful as it can be.

Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand. It should be done quickly. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.

TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Shooting has much to do with proper balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot. This is simply an improvised move. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.

Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your ability to make free throws.

In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

TIP! Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. This can be prevented through the use of hand signals. No signal, no pass.

Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Just like with boxing, you can do a little speed and footwork training with a jump rope.

TIP! Work on pass catches. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. More than three steps will cause you to get called for travelling. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. This technique can really throw off defenders.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. It can be a really powerful play.

TIP! Don’t dribble during your drills. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

When you learn by developing a skill, you will be proud. This feeling can only be rivaled if you’re able to succeed in playing basketball well. Have fun impressing your teammates with your new skills and win all the games you can.