TIP! 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. Defense is what wins basketball games.

You may be wondering what you must know to play basketball well. What will help me enjoy the game more and play better? Here you’ll get a lot of info on basketball and great tips to help you. Read on to increase those skills all that you can.

TIP! Practice hitting your free throws. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring. Offense may be splashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.

TIP! You should often work on your layups. Layups comprise approximately 80 percent of all shots.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy. Practice often using the following technique. First, keep the ball in front of you and at eye level. Focus on the basket and picture the ball slipping into the net. Then shoot the ball with the trajectory that you visualized.

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. Even though you play on a team, practicing alone can be helpful.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. While the all-time greats have shown time and time again how they can shoot while off-kilter, this is not the ideal way to score. They have just improvised, is all. Point your feet towards the basket, guide the ball with your weaker hand and push the ball away with your strong hand whenever you shoot the basketball.

TIP! You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Can you get better at something? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up.

If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.

Free Throws

TIP! You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.

TIP! Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot.

You should practice pass catching regularly. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer.

You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills. Don’t get frustrated if it’s hard at first because it will get better over time.

TIP! Perform drills in which you move the ball up the court in just five dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start.

Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with. Don’t worry! You can still accomplish a lot when playing solo. Practice free throws and layups. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Defensive players need to stay low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier.

Do you feel more knowledgeable about the game of basketball? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Are you set to up your basketball skills? Practice a variety of skills every day to improve your overall game.