TIP! Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Defense is what wins basketball games.

People just adore the game of basketball. To fully enjoy basketball, whether as enthusiastic spectator or player, you need to fully understand this game. This article can help anyone do that.

TIP! You must have good balance to shoot well. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This gives you the best ball control. Be sure to dribble beside your body instead of in front of yourself. Bounce the ball at a level even with your waist. Keep your eyes up, not on the ground.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots.

It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. You have to do this quickly to be good at it. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! Practice your passes and catches frequently. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes.

Work on catching passes frequently. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. So you should do the team a favor by knowing how to take in any kind of a pass that comes from someone.

TIP! Never practice only against the zone. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. You may not always be able to find someone to play with you. That should not matter. There’s still a lot that you can do playing on your own. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. You can always practice.

TIP! Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. If no signal is displayed, a pass ought not be made.

TIP! You can play a great defensive game if you know the opposition well. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.

TIP! Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. Shoulders are the key to a consistently successful shot.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

Free Throws

TIP! You can improve your ability to handle the ball by working out your forearms and hands. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. Perhaps you will dribble twice, follow up by bending your knees, pulling your earlobe or performing some other ritualistic action for good luck. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

TIP! Alter your pace to confuse the opposition. As you approach the goal, plant your foot and then straighten up.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! You should always bend your knees while dribbling. It makes it much easier to control the ball while dribbling as opposed to standing straight up, which makes controlling the ball much harder.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass the ball. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This may seem quite difficult at first, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have great speed and stride length. Being able to do this lets you lead your team on a fast break and gets you to the rim that much quicker.

TIP! If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. Carbs, fats and proteins all keep your energy levels at the right place.

Do not release your defensive stance. Shuffle your feet in a side to side motion, then use your opposite foot to push off and give you good leverage. Keep your body constantly facing toward your opponent in order to ensure the best possible defense.

TIP! Many shots from the court corner end up sailing right over the basket. In this situation, you must anticipate the path of the ball to gain possession of the rebound.

Altering your own pace is a good way to disrupt the opposition. As you approach the goal, plant your foot and then straighten up. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. As hes does, plow forward and run by him.

TIP! Make sure your team really meshes together off and on the court. Basketball is something that can work in a team’s favor if they all work together well.

It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As they grow and gain skills, they will be even better players. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! When performing a workout, take notes of what you want to get done. A lot of people go to workout without having plans.

The thrills and excitement that basketball hold for legions of fans worldwide is tough to match. This being said, if you don’t understand the basics of the game, it is difficult to connect with what you are seeing. This article is going to help you better understand the game of basketball.