Well here is your chance to learn more about basketball. You are a good player, and you enjoy playing. Nonetheless, you can’t know everything there is to know. No matter how good you are, there is always more to learn. So, perhaps you can learn something from this article. Continue reading to see how to improve your game.

If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. When you do a crossover, you move the basketball very fast from one hand over to the other hand. This must be done quickly to be successful. When done correctly, the crossover dribble help you to change direction in order to move down the court efficiently.

TIP! Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

You need good balance when you shoot. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. Those who do this are improvising. 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.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Know your strengths and practice them until you have perfected them.

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. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, jumping and shooting in a smooth series of motions. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

Bounce Pass

Perfect your bounce pass. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. You can do this by watching games in person and on television. You’ll learn that every player is skilled at certain things and that can help you to know what you can do to get better.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of the hoop. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Did you spot something that could be improved? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. If you do it right, the look makes members of the opposing team look in the wrong direction, which gives the person to whom you passed the ball plenty of time to make the shot. When executed properly, this is a powerful play.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer. You have to practice time and time again. Just keep repeating free throws, if you want to perfect that technique. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

Dribbling hard keeps the ball from being stolen from you. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you. If you are being guarded closely, bring your dribbling to an end and pass the ball to another open team member.

To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. Point guards need to throw up passes that your team’s forwards can steal easily.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game.

Be sure you do the sort of off-court exercises that help you during games. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game. Lifting weights can build the muscle you need for shots and the hustle of the game. The resulting sense of confidence and power will help when you shoot.

Build your team in and out of the basketball court. Basketball is one of those games that goes to another level when a team gels completely. Trusting your teammates is key to becoming a good team and also bettering your own skills, and that leads to your team winning lots of games!

When you come back down to earth from a rebound, try to land so that your legs are spread out wider than your shoulders to give your balance a boost. Have your hands on both sides of the ball. Also, be sure to hold it against your chest tightly. Keep your elbows in so that you do not hit an opponent and get a foul.

TIP! Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level.

With these tips, you should now feel this new energy to take to the court. It feels good to be in control of your game. Don’t forget everything you’ve just learned. Basketball can be fun!