TIP! It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

Do you find yourself fantasizing that you are one of the best players of all time? Don’t just dream about being great! Learn some great techniques that will help you attain your dream. You’ll find a lot of useful advice in this article.

TIP! You should practice your crossovers a lot. This is when you switch hands while dribbling.

Balance is important when shooting. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

Practice your passes and catches frequently. When practicing, try catching great passes as well as really bad passes. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. No problem. Solo games also help. Practice pivoting and free throw shooting. There’s always some work to do.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes.

Don’t let the ball go behind your back. That will keep you aware, so you don’t get surprised by turnovers or quick passes. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either.

Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. Figure out which people are right or left handed. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. The strongest defenders are those who have information.

TIP! If your opponent is pressing hard, you can give yourself some room to work by dribbling the ball between your legs. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs.

Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Exercise your abdominal muscles as well as those of the hips, buttocks and back. Jumping rope can also help you become lighter on your feet and quicker on the court.

Free Throws

TIP! You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate.

The best free throws come as a result of routine. For example, you might tug your ear, dribble three times, or flex your wrists. As long as you make it quick, if you have a consistent routine, your body will remember how to make those free throws after you go through your ritual.

TIP! Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Getting by an opponent should be a lot easier if you can dribble using both hands. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. Soon enough you will develop those weak hand dribbling skills.

TIP! Perform drills where you attempt to get the ball up full-court in 5 dribbles or less. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge.

To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so find a way to slip around him and get to the ball. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

TIP! You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This will help you to secure the ball during the game.

Practice drills that force you to get the basketball to the other end of the court in less than 5 dribbles. This will help you to gain speed, stride length and control of the ball. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.

TIP! Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

Strength training can be a major help in basketball. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Even the youngest kids that play will benefit from the game. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited.

Use whatever hand you aren’t dribbling with as a shield between the ball and your opponent. You don’t want to be pushing any of your opponents (that’s a foul), but you can use that non-dribbling arm as a separator to keep the ball safe. This move helps to keep the ball protected and you in control of it.

TIP! Dribble the ball below knee level. Doing this makes it more difficult for members of the opposing team to steal the ball from you.

Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Running, both sprints and long distance, can help your game. Resistance training or lifting weights will increase muscle strength and shooting abilities. Practicing will also build your confidence when shooting.

TIP! Create a team environment that is tough on the court and off of it. A team that works together is an unstoppable team.

Now that you have read the information here, you can now jump in. You must be self confident, and you must practice regularly. Show people what you got, and make sure you always remember the advice that you’ve read.