TIP! Focusing on the offense may come easily but you need to be able to focus on the defense as well., Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense.

If you’ve ever dreamed of being a great basketball player, you should be aware that it will take lots of practice and dedication. When you play for amusement, you still want to win! The following article can help you with your basketball aspirations, whatever they may be.

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Avoid using your palm while dribbling.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. Know your strengths and keep practicing to get even better.

TIP! It is important that you practice layups. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. This is the most popular shot in basketball. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. Knowing how to run and jump quickly and smoothly will assist you in knowing how to leap and shoot more effectively while playing.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Need to dupe the opposition? Try using a back pass! Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. Bounce it 3/4 of the distance to the receiver. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

TIP! Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. One of basketball’s most frustrating elements is the concept of sending a quick pass onto a teammate who has just moved in a different direction.

When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured.

Basketball players must be fast. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. Regular drilling will increase your speed. Avoid playing faster than your abilities allow. Playing beyond your speed cause the game to get out of control with various turnovers and errant passes.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials.

To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Whatever you do before each shot, from dribbles to body motions, should be the same each time. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards.

Practice passing while not looking in the direction of the pass. It can be very confusing to your opponents. When you do it right, the opponents are going to think you’re moving in one direction. That way, the person you’ve given the ball to has a bit of time to look at the net to taking a shot. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills.

Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you.

Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. Your defender will likely think you are taking a shot or passing, and straighten up as well. When they do, try pushing forward hard and running right past them.

TIP! Practice drills where you strive to make it across the full court within 5 dribbles. While this is a challenging goal, working toward it will make you a much better player.

Keep on dribbling until your shot or passing opportunity is imminent. You are limited once you cease dribbling. Your only option, besides shooting or passing, is to use your back foot to pivot. The opposition will cling onto you like a magnet.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. This helps get the ball for the team and allows another foul on the opponent.

Practice dribbling by switching momentum. This will happen during games frequently. You might be able to go through an open court or have to switch sides to avoid opponents. You’ll need to learn how to dribble while your body is leaning in different directions. Dribbling can help get you out of trouble.

TIP! If you want to do well in basketball, you need to build your strength. Conditioning training will also increase your stamina.

Make sure your off-court exercise is appropriate to help your on-court game. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, while running sprints will help you with fast-paced moves. Lifting weights and doing resistance training is going to help you to build muscle to take shots. The resulting sense of confidence and power will help when you shoot.

TIP! A powerful play called the trapping machine, is to have your guards wait for the point guard to come just past midcourt. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him.

Your diet is key to being a better player. You use a lot of fuel playing basketball so a lot of carbs is needed, as well as adequate protein and fats. Great ideas to bring into your diet are wheat breads, peanut butter, chicken and nuts. Stay away from salt and sugar as much as possible.

TIP! Make sure your off-court exercise is appropriate to help your on-court game. For example, you can improve individual plays with sprinting.

Work together with the other players on the team. Great basketball games happen when teams work together. If you get to know and trust your teammates, you’ll see that your game will reach untold levels of excellence!

TIP! When coming down from a rebound catch, try to land and spread your legs wider than your shoulder span to better your balance. Put your hands on the sides of the basketball and then put it close to your chest.

Learn about your opponents so you can force them to play your game, not theirs. Move towards their right side so they must dribble with their weaker left hand. Keep your head on a parallel with the player’s chest. This will make your stance low and enable you to snatch the ball away.

TIP! Positioning is key in picking up an essential rebound. For better power and balance, jump using both feet and take the basketball with both of your hands.

Now, all you have to do is put these tips to use. Over time you will see progress if you stick to a plan, practice regularly and never give up. This three-step plan leads you to success.