One of the best things about basketball is how easy it is to learn the basics. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. But, you can always stand to gain some additional knowledge, and this piece is here to help.

TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Always have a basketball handy. On your way to the grocery store, practice your dribbling. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.

TIP! Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one.

Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Go to actual games or watch on TV. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

TIP! Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique.

In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. Once you’ve reached a good spot, you need to secure it. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. If an injury is serious, go to see a physician.

Core Muscles

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. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing.

To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Practice with your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

Maybe you recently learned the rules of the game. Maybe you have played since you were a little kid. Either way, you can benefit from the information contained within this article. Use these tips when you next play a game of basketball.