TIP! Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Defense can make or break a basketball game.

Well here is your chance to learn more about basketball. You want to play a better game. No player knows everything, so remember that and keep practicing and learning. This article has what you need to know. Continue reading to learn what you can do to be a better player.

TIP! Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball.

It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.

TIP! Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts.

Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

Certain Skills

TIP! If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting.

Watching the pros can help you pick up on certain skills for improving your game. Get tickets to some pro games, if possible, or catch some games on television. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. This should befuddle your opponent.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep.

Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. This is just fine. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. You can always practice something.

TIP! 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.

When an injury occurs while you are playing ball, don’t keep playing with pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. When running towards the net, step on your front foot, and start to straighten up your body.

If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

TIP! To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. Once he passes mid court the guards should rush up on him.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Assess yourself honestly, but don’t be a harsh critic. Sometimes you have to face reality about your skills and just not dream about how you want to be.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court.

Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. If you get this down, you will have a major advantage on the court.

TIP! To improve your perimeter shooting, it is important to practice every day from various spots on the court. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

A great way to stay in a correct defensive stance is to always stay in position no matter what. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Avoid getting your feet cross as this makes it much more difficult for the opponent to get by you.

TIP! Use the hand you’re not dribbling with to create a barrier between the ball and the opponent. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball.

If you use these tips, you will feel a revived energy when you play the game. Learning new tips is fun, especially when you see how well they work for you. Once you have gained new skills and improved old ones with these tips, you can amaze your spectators. Basketball is a very popular sport, for fans and players alike.