TIP! It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are won with a good defense.

Basketball is an exciting, fast-paced sport that keeps fans on their feet. However, the truth is that many people have a lot to learn about the sport’s benefits. Keep reading if you’d like to get some insight as to what you should do to get better at basketball.

TIP! Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. 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. Figure out what you do well at and then you can practice that until you perfect it.

TIP! A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

It is important that you practice layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.

TIP! If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. This knowledge will help you play the best game possible. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! Don’t play when you are injured! You can easily tear a muscle or even break a finger while playing. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse.

You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

TIP! Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you can dribble equally well with each hand, it is simpler to get past your opponents. If you find it difficult to continue using your weak hand, make your strong hand unusable. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements.

Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball. Doing so will allow you to get the rebound sans a foul.

TIP! Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you.

Be sure your vision is unobstructed. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way. Your peripheral vision needs to be as strong as possible. If you view the entire game without focusing on the ball, you’ll see defensive pressure advance, along with open teammates.

TIP! Be sure your vision is unobstructed. This will help you to secure the ball during the game.

Basketball is great for not only players, but people who want to watch as well. To get the most out of the game, it is best to learn as much as you can. We hope the article above has served as a key resource for you to accomplish just that.