Lots of people love to play basketball a lot because it’s exciting and fast-paced. However, to play the best you can, you must learn some things. This is an article packed with tips to help make your game better.

TIP! If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. 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. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

Practice your layup shot often. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Practicing your running and jumping as a single motion will improve your technique faster than practicing them separately.

TIP! Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Try to go to games, watch televised games, or check out videos of the pros playing. By doing this, you will quickly find that players all have their unique subset of skills, allowing you the best chance to see what areas are the best fit for your personal game.

Work on pass catches. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals.

Never practice only against the zone. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you. Failure to prepare for this type of tactic makes you more vulnerable and hurts your team.

Entire Team

TIP! Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. What areas are your strong points? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities.

Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. Playing basketball without dribbling is very challenging, but your entire team will quickly improve their passing skills. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.

Practice basketball in season and out of season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. There’s nothing wrong with that. You can still get a lot accomplished with solo games. Practice pivoting or you can practice doing free throws. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Do not move your feet when attempting to set up a screen, a foul can be called.

This article has shown you just how fun basketball can be. This article has offered a lot of advice to help you become a better basketball player. Use the tips here in order to be the best ball player possible.