TIP! While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring.

It isn’t difficult to learn the fundamentals of basketball. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. You can always learn more and this article will help you start learning.

TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Then try shooting the ball along the trajectory that was in your mind.

TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. Whenever you practice, approach the goal full speed, jump and take a smooth shot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.

TIP! Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals. Every player has skills that make them good, and you can work on the skills they use.

Practice Catching

TIP! Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Practice catching passes often. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. By learning to catch errant passes, you will do your team a great favor.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Some guards increase their upper body to the point of harming their field goals.

TIP! You must disrupt and upset the play of your opponent if you want to be successful as a defensive player. Get them outside their comfort zone.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. Stronger core muscles will help them be more resistant and allow them to develop many different athletic abilities. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. One of the most challenging aspects is trying to send the ball to your teammate as they are going for the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If you don’t receive a signal then realize your teammate is not able to get the pass.

TIP! Make sure your vision is good. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Can you get better at something? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

TIP! To trap someone in a 2-3 zone, get your guards to wait for the point guard to get about 10 feet past midcourt. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! AS you dribble the basketball down the court, keep your knees bent. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it.

Maybe you just learned how to play the game of basketball before you read this article. Perhaps you have played the game ever since you were that wee tyke on the court. Regardless of your skill level, what you have read will provide you with new information. Keep this advice in mind during the next match.