Do you daydream of being the next Michael Jordan when you’re out on the basketball court? You can move closer to making your dreams come true by developing skills and techniques to improve your play. Keep on reading and see how your dreams of playing ball can become reality in the near future.

TIP! It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Perfect your layup technique. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect. When the game is going on, every pass isn’t going to make it to its target. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.

TIP! The way to properly dribble is to keep your head up while looking ahead of you. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. Being weighed down by too much bulky muscle can have a negative impact on your jump shot. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. How about the behind the back pass? Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. This will trick your opponents.

TIP! Practice layups often. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game.

Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent. That’s OK! You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. You can always practice something.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Practicing with a jump rope is a great way to increase your foot speed.

TIP! Teach yourself how a bounce pass can be properly thrown. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. An errant toe to the baseline while holding the ball will result in an “out of bounds” call. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve. Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. Analyze your skills honestly so you can become the player you want to be.

TIP! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

If the opposing team is guarding you to much, you can try a pass between your legs. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket.

Now that you know what needs to be done, go practice and become the best player you can be. Be consistent and confident. Remember what you’ve read here, and show everyone the player you really are.