You wouldn’t try to perform CPR without the proper research and certification. The same goes for working on your basketball skills. The tips within this article are what makes pros as good as they are.

If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

TIP! Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

Frequent pass catching practice is important. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones. When a game is underway, not every throw will be perfect. You can do the rest of your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.

Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse. Anytime you have a serious injury, you should seek medical attention.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. 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.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Maintain awareness of open areas on the ball court that may allow you to quickly score a basket.

When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. Also, this will improve your balance as you approach the basket.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. When you can see the big picture, you can react to anything.

When playing defense, always try to stay low. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly. Maintain this low stance with arms raised until a shot or high pass is made. When you break your stance to block, return to proper form as quick as you can.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him. As your guards are doing this, send your forwards out to the outside opponents. Your point guard must then launch a pass in a way that is easy for your forwards to steal.

When dribbling, bend your knees. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it. You will have better ball control with bent knees.

To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. That is the furthest distance that you would ever have to shoot from to score a three. If you can score from NBA range, you’ll enjoy open looks at deeper range than your opposition.

TIP! To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited. If you cannot pass or shoot, you can only pivot with your back foot. That leaves you wide open to double teaming by your opponents and the potential of a stolen ball goes way up.

Learning how to fix something gives you a feeling of pride that doesn’t compare to any other feeling. Researching ways to bolster your basketball skills can do this as well. This will help you win more and become more impressive.