Basketball is very popular. From playing at the park to watching the best in the sport play for a championship, Basketball is a sport that reaches a lot of people. Anyone who plays basketball wants to improve their game. While you can’t win them all, you sure can bring your game to the next level.

Practice shooting free throws. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear. Use this technique to better your game. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense.

When dribbling, focus on what’s in front of you by keeping your head up. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Dribble while walking to the store. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Everyone has watched a pro player drift out of bounds while still making their shot, but this isn’t something to emulate. They are merely making up the play on the spot. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.

Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax, take your time and be focused.

TIP! Dribbling the ball the right way needs to be done. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. You might see a decrease in your goal percentages if your biceps become too large.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. This can be prevented through the use of hand signals. If the player does not flash the signal, then the player can avoid an errant pass.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? What areas are your strong points? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.

There are several ways you can improve your basketball skills. Many of them are as simple as learning a technique and then practicing repeatedly. Practice is really the secret to becoming a master of anything, so be sure you have a hoop, ball and free time available regularly. Whether you’re practicing or having a game with friends, the hours add up and will make you a better player.