It is about time you learned about basketball. You want to play a better game. No player knows everything, so remember that and keep practicing and learning. With that knowledge in mind, you are likely to be taught a tip or two that you did not know before. Read on to learn all new tips and tricks to improve your basketball game.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. This term refers to switching the hand you use. Speed determines the success of the crossover move. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.

TIP! Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax, take your time and be focused.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. You must practice this move with your teammates so that everyone on your team understands what is going on.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. Do not allow them to pick and choose their plays. By doing so, the opponent will take advantage of you. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.

Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your forearms and hands in order to maximize your ability to handle the ball. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Strength and flexibility in your hands will allow you to move the ball more gracefully and swiftly.

When you are on the defense, the key is to stay as low as you can. That helps you stay quick when it comes to the jump and will help you react more quickly to the person just ahead of you. Remain in a good defensive stance always. When rebounding or blocking, you break the stance, but then you must get back in the stance quickly.

TIP! Quality footwork will help you get better shots. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important.

In order to help develop your non-dominant hand, you should use that hand only when trying to open things, and also when brushing your teeth. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. So, drill with the weaker hand and use in it in real life.

Now you should be more confident in your game the next time you play. Learning new tips is fun, especially when you see how well they work for you. Keep in mind everything that you’ve read here so you’re able to show it off to others. Enjoy basketball every day!