Basketball is fun to play and watch, but to play the game expertly takes practice. However, it is of utmost importance that you make sure you are practicing correctly. This text helps you get the shot in every time.

Correct dribbling is key. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. When dribbling the basketball you should bounce it to your side instead of right in front. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

TIP! Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

Do not practice solely against zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. Don’t worry! There are many ways that you can improve your game alone. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. There is no shortage of things you can do.

TIP! 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.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. These muscles form a bridge across the lower and upper parts of your body. When the core is weak, it is difficult to coordinate the movements of both halves. A strong core helps the legs move better, like jumping higher and running faster.

It need not matter how much you play the game of basketball, the tips here will help improve your game all the time. Use a single tip at a time and incorporate it into your game play. You can make every shot count, pass better, rebound like a pro and overall improve how you play every day.