TIP! It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. Sometimes you’ll see professional players fall out of bounds while making a shot from afar, but this doesn’t work at all times.

In basketball, every player, from least to best, has a lot to learn. It’s important to know the basics and keep up with changes. Would you like to have a competitive edge? Read on to give you an edge over the competition.

TIP! Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game.

It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

TIP! You should practice pass catching regularly. Try to catch all of the passes that are thrown to you.

Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. Take your basketball everywhere. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Your opponent may change their game up to keep you on your toes.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

Core Muscles

TIP! Basketball players of all ages benefit from exercises that strengthen their core. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips. The lower and upper extremities are linked by the core, and athletes with a weak core will exhibit limited performance. Building strong core muscles will allow your to jump higher, run faster and maintain your balance.

TIP! One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game.

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. Pay attention to dominant hands. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. A defender with an education will be good at what they do.

TIP! Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. Seeing yourself realistically can be a great way to make changes in a positive direction.

TIP! If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs.

In order to do the best you can with layups, you’ll want to take off with the foot that is opposite of your shooting hand. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. You’ll miss if you don’t have a good routine down.

TIP! Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This may seem quite difficult at first, but once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you’ll have great speed and stride length.

An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Keep your feet moving to each side or push your opposing foot off so you can keep yourself in position. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.

Strength Training

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Slide your feet from side to side or push off with your opposing foot so that you are always in position.

You can really up your performance on the court by doing strength training. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Children that are young are also able to get benefits from getting stronger arms and legs if they exercise right. As they reach their teen years, bring weights in to further enhance exercise. Once they transition into adulthood, strength training must continue to be a core part of their exercise routine.

TIP! Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. Practice dribbling and quick shots.

Maintain a lower position as you play defense. This helps your jumps become quicker and betters your reaction to the person before you simpler. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.

TIP! Only cease dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling.

With any luck, you are now ready to attack the court with a new sense of confidence. Each tip can improve your game. Keep learning and practicing every day. Take your game to the next level, and remember what you’ve read in order to get started.