Have you ever watched professional basketball players and envied their skills? Rather than wishing you were great, how about you do your research to become better? Read on to learn what you can do to excel at basketball.

TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult.

Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.

You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. This should be something you do quickly. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Work through the initial frustration and see how the challenge will improve your game in the long run.

If your kid is going to try out for the basketball team, they should be properly training their core muscles. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. A strong core helps you jump higher and run faster.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Be vigilant to detect openings or weaknesses that make it easier to take the shot.

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

Workout to increase flexibility and strength in your hands and forearms. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. Don’t stay stopped; always move around the court. Your ability to handle the ball will affect your success on the court.

To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This technique will help you rebound the ball without getting a foul called on you.

TIP! A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

Be certain you are able to see well. This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. It allows you to view the game as a whole rather than simply watching the ball. In this way, you can be aware of the players around you.

Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Slide your feet to and fro or use your opposing foot to push off to maintain your position. Don’t ever allow your feet to cross to become a hard player to pass.

TIP! If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. That makes it less likely that you lose control of the ball.

Use a 2-3 zone as a way to trap opponents. You can do this by having guards wait for the point guard to come at least 10 feet past midcourt. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. The guard on point should make a pass that can easily be stolen by the forwards.

After you’ve read this, you should have some things that you’re able to practice. In order to do well you will need to develop a consistent routine which will better your playing skills. Keep this excellent advice in mind as you show off your new skills on the court.