Do you feel like basketball could be a great game if you knew more about it? If so, you are not alone. Many people watch basketball and wonder how the pros are able to play the way they do. This article is going to teach you some of the things that the pros know.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players.

Perfect your free throw. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Use this technique to better your game. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. That action has to be done fast to be successful. A good crossover dribble can give you the opportunity to switch directions and progress on the court much faster.

Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. It needs to get to the player at their waist. One thing you should do is always remember the ball should be bounced three quarters on its way towards the person you’re passing too. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Go to actual games or watch on TV. You will notice great skills from different players that you can practice.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. The key to this relies on having good footwork.

TIP! Frequent pass catching practice is important. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Determine what others like about your game and fine tune those skills.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. This routine will help you make your free throws, but make the routine a quick one.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. If you find it difficult to continue using your weak hand, make your strong hand unusable. Your weak hand won’t be that for long!

TIP! It is best to take a break if you sustain an injury while playing. Basketball is physically demanding, and injuries are relatively common.

To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.

Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. To do this, avoid lurching or stepping across the floor; instead use smaller, shuffling steps to move with your opponent. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.

Bad Pass

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it.

Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt. This is when they should trap him. With the forwards blocking outside, you have a good shot at intercepting a bad pass. You will see the opposing point guard make a bad pass that anyone on your team can steal.

To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to brushing your teeth. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control. This will begin to spill over into your basketball game as well.

The tips you’ve just read can elevate you from a casual enthusiast to an effective basketball player. But, now that this article has been read, you should be prepared to start playing like a professional. Go play a game, so you can start using these great tips?