For years, basketball has been a popular sport all across the world. Becoming a great player takes a lot of practice and determination. If you want to become a better player, you are sure to appreciate these tips.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Take your basketball everywhere. Dribble as you walk to the market. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

TIP! Learn proper dribbling. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Switch from one side to the other while dribbling. This action most be quick to work out. One done the right way, the crossover dribble can help you change directions and get down the court more efficiently.

Keep practicing your layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

Making free throws are almost as much a mental part of the game as they are a physical part. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.

TIP! Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

Learn good passing by drilling often without dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills. Don’t be frustrated by how hard it is at first; you will get used to it.

If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Practice dribbling the ball between your legs. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

Free Throws

TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals.

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. This will help you use that hand more easily and improve your dribbling with that hand.

Keep low as you defend. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly. Maintain your proper defensive stance no matter what. If you find you have to abandon your stance to do some blocking, get back into formation as fast as you can.

TIP! You can learn to trick the opposing team. Back passes are a great way to confuse other players.

Basketball will be easier for you and more fun when you have the best advice. Keep reading other resources so you can build up your game skills. Keep the advice handy as you better your skills.