TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring.

Basketball season can be an all encompassing obsession for players and for the fans who support the teams. You want to show those skills and work as a team to give your fans a reason to cheer. You’re a contributor as a teammate, so be sure you practice; go hard! Let these tips be your guide to helping out your team.

TIP! Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in.

Practice your free throw shot. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Start by holding your basketball right in the front of your own face. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.

TIP! Balance is vital to good shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique.

Balance is important when shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. These shots are improvisational and usually desperate attempts. If you have correct balance when you are making a shot, you will make more consistent baskets over time.

TIP! Passing the ball is an important part of playing basketball so practice making and receiving passes. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes.

Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. The lower and upper extremities are linked by the core, and athletes with a weak core will exhibit limited performance. A core that’s solid and strong will allow you to use force that comes from your legs so you can jump higher and run faster.

TIP! You can learn how to better pass the ball if you run drills without the dribble. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all.

Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Is there something that you excel at? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Give the back pass a try! Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back.

Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This can help you avoid losing it when you hold it. In addition, keep your palm off of the ball. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.

TIP! Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. It’s all about court awareness, and always facing the ball will make it so you are less surprised by passes.

One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. Smart defenders are good defenders.

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Your shoulders should always be square towards the basket. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.

TIP! Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. If you fall on a baseline, you will be out of bounds.

Always be aware of your feet. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.

TIP! To make your layups count the most, take off from the foot opposite your shooting hand. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot.

As you can see, there are a lot of ways to improve your game. Being good contributes to an overall better team, and that is what leads to lots of happy fans. Every single participant plays a role, from those on the court to those sitting in the stands. Your job is to make sure that you’re team is getting the best that you have to offer. Remember these tips and use them to become the player everyone wants on their team.