Basketball has always been a loved sport, and so while the game is a competition, it is also fun. If you want to become a great basketball player, you need to practice and take the game seriously. When you continue reading, you will learn some priceless information.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. This term refers to switching the hand you use. This should be something you do quickly. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Defense is essential to winning these games.

Proper balance is essential when shooting. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. They are going with the flow when this occurs. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

Work on pass catches. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Make use of the back pass. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. Now hold the ball behind you. And last, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Although being fast is important, avoid playing faster than your capabilities. If you push too hard, your performance may be haphazard, and the game may get out of control.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.

Free Throws

Your routines must be consistent for free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket. You have to practice time and time again. Just keep repeating free throws, if you want to perfect that technique. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. Before you know it, your weak hand will become strong.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles.

Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. By taking charge you can create a defensive stop so you can get the ball, and allows you to create setups so that the opponent will foul you. This is play that’s powerful.

Keep low when you play defense. This will aid you as you jump and make it easier to react to the front man. Hold a defensive stance always. If you find you have to abandon your stance to do some blocking, get back into formation as fast as you can.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. After you have stopped dribbling, your options are quite limited. If you cannot pass or shoot, you can only pivot with your back foot. This situation leaves you vulnerable to a double team by the defense, and you risk losing the ball.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. What do you need to focus in on and practice more? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet.

One way to misdirect your opponent is to dribble in a rhythm, then break that rhythm. By mixing up your regular dribbling rhythm with a faster pace, you will throw your opponent off guard, perhaps leaving you with an open shot or pass. The change in speed and sound can surprise your opponent.

Always practice from all spots on the court. Practice your grip and balance first. It’s possible to shoot when not properly balanced, but the accuracy of such shots is diminished. You can use the valve to find your perfect grip. Spread the fingers of your dominant hand and put the center of your hand over the valve located at the center of the basketball.

Basketball will be easier for you and more fun when you have the best advice. Look at videos and blogs, and make sure you read more articles, so you can always keep learning. Absorb every lesson you learn here and on the court. Don’t forget anything.