Have you ever watched professional basketball players and envied their skills? Don’t just dream about improving your game; instead, take the pointers and learn how you can get out there and practice right now. Read these tips to take your natural basketball skills to the next level.

TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover.

Practice your defense more than your offense. Basketball games are won because of good defense. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. You will stay balanced if your core is strong. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

TIP! Watching the pros play is a great way to see how great basketball players use their skills in the game. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Ensure that you line up your shoulders so that they are squared with the basketball net. You want your strong-side shoulder in perfect alignment with the rim.

Free Throws

TIP! Build hand signals so passes are more successful. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

To get better at shooting free throws, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Go forwards and backwards with the ball to practice bouncing it. Mastering this move can help give you an advantage on the court.

TIP! You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. If you play to use your right hand to shoot, you’ll want to use your left foot to take off. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.

To improve your dribbling skills, practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. You can focus on the strength of your weak hand by tying your dominant hand behind your back. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. This keeps it under control.

In order to ensure that you are always ready to defend, keep your stance at all times. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Keep in mind that your feet shouldn’t cross and this should make you good at defense.

Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. The guard will think you are slowing down and will also straighten themselves. When they do, try pushing forward hard and running right past them.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

To help practice three-point shooting you should practice shooting at the NBA distance. College, as well as high school three-point lines are set at a shorter distance. If you can score from NBA range, you’ll enjoy open looks at deeper range than your opposition.

Have you learned some helpful tips? Practice consistently to help build your confidence. Keep all of the good advice you encounter in mind so that you can make it clear that you are very talented.