In basketball, every player, from least to best, has a lot to learn. It’s important to know the basics and keep up with changes. Would you like to have a competitive edge? Continue reading to find out how you can improve your game.

TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Finger tips, not palms, are the key to successful dribbling. This allows you to control the ball better. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

Free Throws

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique.

Learn the best way to make your free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. Use the following directions to perfect free throws and practice often. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Then, look at the ball and visualize it going in the basket. When you shoot, keep the visualized trajectory in mind.

When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Keep dribbling the ball even while you’re doing your errands. If you look at the ball, you’re unable to see what’s going on down the court before you.

TIP! It is important to know the right way to throw a bounce pass. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist.

Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. The action needs to be performed quickly in order to be successful. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court’s flow.

The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Do not allow your palm to come in contact with the ball either. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. Without a strong mindset, your body simply goes through the motions to take the shot.

Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Once you have a solid idea of your opponent, you can dial in on the best way to defend. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. You will have to do a lot of drilling to play faster. Avoid playing faster than your abilities allow. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

TIP! Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

You should now feel a new level of confidence about playing basketball. You need all the information you can get to get and stay on top. Never stop learning and always keep practicing. Take the game to new heights, and keep this advice in mind when you start.