People just love basketball! From playing a friendly game of hoops in the backyard with friends, to watching professionals on the big stage, the sport of basketball has come a very long way. Most players are in it to win it. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you make some great strides towards winning.

Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax and focus on your shot, and you can make it.

TIP! Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips.

Never practice only against the zone. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

Would you like to pull one over on the other team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Finally your wrist should be flicked towards where you want the ball to go. It’s a great way to trick your opposing team.

Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. If no signal is displayed, a pass ought not be made.

TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. Shoulders should be towards the hoop. Then, make sure that your shooting side is lined up directly to the rim.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. If you want the advantage, you’ve got more quickly. In order to play fast, you must practice drills. Do not play beyond you capabilities, however. If you push too hard, your performance may be haphazard, and the game may get out of control.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. At times, it can help to see the truth of who you are, not as you imagine yourself.

TIP! To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. Just keep things brief, but make sure you always do the same moves.

Passing the ball through your legs is a useful maneuver if the opposing team is right on top of you. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. If you get this down, you will have a major advantage on the court.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. After a while, your weak hand will be able to dribble better.

TIP! Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set.

Clearly, there are quite a few ways to help yourself play a better game. Many techniques can be mastered easily through repetition. Practice makes perfect, and basketball is no exception. It helps to be near a basketball net as often as possible. Whether you practice with a team, with friends or with younger people, it’s all about loving the game and making your skills better.