Basketball is played all over the world due to it’s simplicity and ease of understanding. Every player has their own skills that contribute to wins for their team. If you’re looking for ways to improve your skills, this article can help in that pursuit.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. That action has to be done fast to be successful. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

TIP! Make sure to dribble properly. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

Bounce Pass

Practice your bounce pass. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling.

Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.

Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Trick them using a back pass. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Pull it behind you. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. Doing this will trick your opponent.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

Avoid errant passes by using hand signals. You can become easily frustrated when a teammate does a poor job of anticipating your next passing move. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. If the signal is absent, do not pass to that player.

Playing Fast

Speed is everything in basketball. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. Playing fast takes practice, though, and steady drilling. Don’t try playing fast until you can. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. When you stay consistent, you get better success. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

It is important that you practice hard to develop and perfect your skills on the basketball court. Now that you’ve read this article, you know a thing or two about improving your skills. Read this article as many times as you need to in order to absorb its advice.