Most people don’t try to do something unless they have taken their time to learn about it first. Basketball is no different. This piece is full of ideas the pros utilize to improve their own game.

TIP! Watch your form while you dribble the ball. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

TIP! Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. While this may be difficult, it gets you used to finding teammates and thinking on the run. Don’t get discouraged if it is hard initially’ because the gains you will make are sure to be worthwhile.

One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes. That means less turnovers. Pay attention to open areas for passes, too.

TIP! If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

Practice moving the ball from one courtside to the other in just 5 dribbles of the ball. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball. That translates to smooth layups during fast breaks.

Stop Dribbling

TIP! Practice your layup shot often. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform. If you don’t shoot or pass, you will have just stand there pivoting. This situation leaves you vulnerable to a double team by the defense, and you risk losing the ball.

Practice dribbling as you sway your body from side to side. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations. You may have an open court, by you’re just as likely to be swarmed by multiple opponents. You must learn dribbling from all kinds of directions. This will help you in bad situations.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed.

The hand not used to dribble the ball should serve as a wall separating the ball from the opposing players. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand. Try to keep your arm around the same height as the apex of your dribble.

When you learn by developing a skill, you will be proud. The only thing that could make you feel better is to learn all about basketball. Have fun impressing your teammates with your new skills and win all the games you can.