You are probably always working to improve your sports handicapping skills. The main difference between pro handicappers and recreational players is the ability to pinpoint the factors that will have the most impact on the outcome of a particular game.

Granted, the pros do this for a living. They also have access to advanced sports betting tools and highly sophisticated sports betting software solutions.

While you may not have the time, energy and proper tools to handicap the games like a pro, there are some simple steps you can take to improve your current skill set.

Sometimes, the best plan is to stay out of your own way.

A pro will release a selection based on a strict set of objective facts, stats and recent betting trends. They will do everything in their power to take subjectivity and bias out of the decision making process.

A professional handicapper will oftentimes rely heavily on gut instinct. However, that instinct is steeped in factual data.

The average recreational bettor will place wagers based on what they want to happen. They love the Dallas Cowboys and their weekly bets reflect that devotion to the team. The fact that Dallas has failed to cover in its last five games does not impact this decision.

When you find yourself betting on what you want to happen in a game, you are much better off simply flipping a coin to place your bet.

Rule No. 1 to improving your sports handicapping skills is to take as much bias as possible out of the process. This is easier said than done. Yet, it is fundamental to improving your overall sports betting results.

A good starting point to moving in this direction is by turning to the pros.

You could go all-in by buying a pick package to place your bets.

Unfortunately, this strategy does not fit in with most recreational bettors. Along with the actual cost of the pro plan, you need to be willing to wager on every selection released at the recommended unit level. This is the only way to maximize the value in these pro selection packages.

An easier and cheaper way to go is by tapping into the winning techniques and strategies used by the pros. Popular online sports betting resources such as AsktheBookie.com can provide some excellent insight into sports betting logic and strategy. They have direct access to pro handicappers and forward their insider tips onto their readers.

If you play your cards right, buying sports picks will win you money. 

You do not have to spend a tremendous amount of time educating yourself of sports betting tips and techniques. But you still have to try. Any recreational bettor has the ability to improve their current winning percentage on the bets they place. Simply by improving their current skills.

Also keep in mind that the basics of sports betting never change. In a close matchup, a NBA team playing at home on a couple days rest is always going to have an edge facing a team playing its third road game in a short amount of time.

The biggest tip is sticking with the basics when it comes to placing your bets. Pros make a habit of looking for a built-in edge when it comes to their handicapping efforts. They do not try to create one to justify their picks.

Finally, improve your sports betting skills from understanding and avoiding the common mistakes made. While also incorporating the techniques with proven positive results.