Want To Improve Your Basketball Game? Try These Tips!

One round, orange ball. One tall net with a backboard. Ten players per team. A passion for the game of basketball. This is what you need to play, but you also need a great knowledge to play well. Continue reading to find out all you can about the ins and outs of basketball.

When you're dribbling the ball, you should avoid looking down at the ball. You should be able to dribble without staring at the ball. If you can dribble without seeing the ball, you'll be able to keep your eyes on the rest of the game. This will help you to know who is open for a pass or if you have a chance to take a shot.

When you are practicing your shooting, take the practice shots you would attempt during the game. You are rarely going to be open for long enough to get your feet planted and line up the shot, so shoot on the move. Practice off dribble and shooting while moving for better results at game time.

Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you're dribbling. It should be done quickly. After doing so correctly, a crossover gives you greater control over the court's flow.

When you think you have a good shot, take it. This can be difficult to learn. There is a balance between not shooting enough and shooting too often. You never want to miss out on taking a great shot because you are looking to pass, but you do not want to miss on a couple of points because you do not make the pass.

If you feel you've been spending too much time on the the bench, ask your basketball coach what you can do to help the team the next time you are in practice. Hang on every word he or she says. This will demonstrate your intense interest in helping the team win by improving your own play and should get you more game time!

When you are playing in a game, try your best to forget your misses. Nothing good can come from you dwelling on the last shot you missed or the last 20 you missed. Each shot is a new opportunity to score. Stay clam and keep trying even if you miss a few. Dwelling on the miss will lead to you overreacting and missing even more.

You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It's hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes. Don't be frustrated by how hard it is at first; you will get used to it.

Try yoga to improve your basketball game. You might not want to tell your teammates about it, since some of them are going to likely laugh. However, the increased flexibility and agility you get helps prevent injuries or at least leaves able to get back up quicker when you get knocked down. Don't laugh; Kareem Abdul-Jabaar used it to extend his NBA career.

The key for controlling the ball well is to spread your fingers. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Your palm should not be touching the ball. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.

When it comes to making the shot, the key is to hold the ball the right way. Practice makes perfect, so hold your hands like they are claws and space out your fingers. Hold the ball with your fingers, not your palm. Hold the ball in your hand while watching TV to build your muscles.

To win the game you need to take good shots. Good shots are when you have an open arc to the goal with a high-percentage of scoring. No other players on your team should have a better shot than the one you are taking. Otherwise, it's not a good shot.

Never show mercy to an opponent. This doesn't mean physically beating them down or accidentally stepping on a floored opponent. What it does mean is that you will have games or periods where your team is clearly better than the opposition. Don't start slacking because of this. Compete against yourself and play your best always. You get better, and you always want to prevent being a victim of a miracle comeback.

Although a slam dunk may seem like the easiest and most reliable shot to make in basketball, there is still room for error. Using one hand to dunk the ball can invite turnovers and missed dunks off the back of the rim. Whenever possible, always use two hands while dunking.

If a defender is hot on your heels, a one handed pass is a must. If their hands are up high, fake a high throw and then bounce it under their arm. If their hands are instead low, fake a bounce pass and toss it over their arm to the recipient instead.

If you are like most basketball players, you want as much playing time as possible. One way to pretty much guarantee an increase in playing time is to always work hard and hustle during both practice and in a game. Don't be hesitant about diving after a loose ball. Your butt may often be on the ground, but a coach will notice your intense efforts and will choose you over a player who doesn't have your drive and work ethics.

It is as important to guard a player who doesn't have the ball as it is to guard those who do. If you leave that person, they may be passed the ball and can take the shot without you being prepared. Always treat the person you are guarding as if they are about to score.

While you likely already have the passion, and the ball, you also need the knowledge to be a successful basketball player. With this article already under your belt, you are ready to start using its tips. Continue checking out other expert articles to learn more so you can better your game.