TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling.

Basketball is an extremely popular sport in many countries. Whether you’re watching the game or playing the game, basketball is widely loved. Most players are in it to win it. Here are a few things to keep in mind to help you make some great strides towards winning.

TIP! Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

Balance is important when shooting. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. This is simply an improvised move. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.

TIP! One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. It is important that you see how other people play the game.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try using a back pass! Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to land. This should trick the opposing team.

TIP! You need to practice more than defeating a zone defense. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.

TIP! Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Did you spot something that could be improved? You can use this information to improve your game.

You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. You will not be able to stand in one place and shoot. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.

TIP! Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Don’t let them get comfortable.

Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Try making your peripheral vision the best it can be. If you scan the entire court, not just the location of the ball, it is possible to anticipate defense moves in advance and see which teammates are open.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start.

One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time. Remember to never let your feet cross and you will be a difficult player to get around.

TIP! Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position.

To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. You need both strength and endurance if you are going to excel. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As the teenage years approach, weights can be used for even greater impact. Playing as an adult, it is important that you focus on your stamina for optimal performance.

TIP! To convert the typical 2-3 zone to a trapping machine, get the best pair of defenders available to wait just until the opposing point guard reaches roughly ten feet beyond the mid-court line. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him.

There are a lot of ways to make your game better. Some skills can be learned by repetition. Anytime you practice it makes you a better player, and whenever you have the opportunity to do so, do it. You can perform drills by yourself of with your team, or you can mentor younger players. Any way you approach it, these activities will benefit your game.