TIP! It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games.

Nobody wants to attempt an auto repair without a bit of research and training. So how do you expect to turn into a good basketball player without learning the game? The following tips have helped pros become the players they are.

TIP! Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling. Always have a basketball handy. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. Staring at the ball doesn’t allow you to watch the other players.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. You’ll see that every great player has specific skills that cause them to be great and you have the opportunity to practice what you’re watching them do.

TIP! A bounce pass is an important technique to learn. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level.

Work on pass catches. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Learn how to catch any sort of throw.

TIP! Work on pass catches. During practice you should come up with drills where you perfect catching bad passes along with the good ones.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Trick them using a back pass.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. How about the behind the back pass? Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Pull it behind you. Flick your wrists in the direction that it must travel. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles.

Practice basketball in season and out of season. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. There’s nothing wrong with that. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. There are many things you can work on.

Core Muscles

TIP! Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip.

If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. Core muscles are the connectors between arms and legs. If the core muscles are weak, basketball performance will suffer. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.

TIP! It can help you when you pass through your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique.

One thing to consider if your shooting percentage drops is that your shoulders may be inconsistent when you are shooting. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Your shoulders should be facing the hoop. The shoulder that is dominant should be perfectly aligned with the hoop rim.

TIP! Always maintain a defensive stance when you are trying to properly defend the goal. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position.

You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. You should work to make your opponent feel uncomfortable. Be aggressive as you execute your moves. Other players should not influence the plays you make. If you let them, they’ll totally take the control from you. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. They should then trap the point guard.

Use small weights and resistance training to build the muscles in both forearms and hands. Strong hands make it easier for you to keep control of the basketball. Do not remain in one place. It’s not likely that you will be able to successfully catch and shoot without moving. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

TIP! Don’t cease dribbling until you get ready to shoot or pass. You are limited once you cease dribbling.

Learning to improve things on your own initiative imparts a feeling of pride. Reading and learning as much as you can and transferring that knowledge onto the court will better your game. This information will help you become better and help you win games for your team.