Basketball ranks among one of peoples’ favorite sports to both watch and play. However, it’s not that simple to be the greatest at the game when you first start. Regardless of whether you are the best or not, you can still have fun playing basketball. Read on to learn how you can make the most of your basketball experience.

It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player. This should be something you do quickly. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. This is when you switch hands while dribbling.

Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. Of course, there are also other factors involved.

You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. You will enjoy greater court awareness and avoid feeling surprised by rapid changes in game play. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss.

When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? You can use this information to improve your game. It can help you to see how you really are instead of what you imagine you are.

Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. In order to make your free throw perfect, you’ll need to practice the shot many times and get into a routine. If you do not practice this shot consistently, you may miss it during an actual game.

Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Be aware that the defender who is below you will start moving in your direction. Slip past him, and you can get the ball. This helps you avoid the foul call and also grab the rebound.

Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.

TIP! Practice using different types of defenses. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

Take a charge if you can. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team. That can be psychologically disturbing, and is a power play.

Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up. The guard may think you’ve slowed down and may try to straighten themselves. All the while, push ahead hard then run past them.

You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your outside shooting game. You should also practice starting with a dribble and then taking a shot. Only lift your head up to check out the target once you are in the air. That helps you boost your accuracy.

TIP! If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball.

Use the hand you aren’t dribbling with to keep the opponent away from the ball. It’s a foul to push your opponents, but using your arm as a barrier is allowed and will help you to secure the ball. You should try to keep your barrier arm up slightly when you are dribbling.

A great way to improve your game involves communicating with teammates so that you can anticipate their moves. The sport of basketball is truly a team game. It is not all about one-on-one offense or defense. By communicating, you can work together more efficiently. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses with teammates so you know where you need improvement.

Practice your skills and get out there on the court. First, put these tips to good use. Get pumped and get out into the game! Soon, you are going to notice the improvement in your skills thanks to utilizing the advice that has been told to you.