TIP! It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are won because of good defense.

Even the best players don’t fully know all the changes and intricacies of the game. Strategies change and new ideas crop up. Are you looking for a jump on your opponents? Continue reading to gain the edge that you need to succeed.

TIP! You need good balance when you shoot. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

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. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

TIP! Pay attention to what you are good at. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team.

Balance is essential to shooting. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. Those who do this are improvising. 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! A good way to get your basketball game up to speed is to start trying to see how the pros are playing. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

It is important that you practice layups. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

TIP! Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well.

Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This will confuse the other team into wondering where the ball went.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread will facilitate better ball handling. This gives you better control of the ball.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. That should not matter. You’ll still be able to get a lot done when playing solo. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. You can always practice something.

TIP! In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports.

When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance.

Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

Free Throw

TIP! 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. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off.

Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. When you have a steady and consistent routine, your muscles will remember what to do to shoot those free throw shots.

TIP! If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Dribbling with both hands helps you gain the upper one.

Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

TIP! It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. When you play basketball you need a lot of stamina and strength to keep going through the entire game.

A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.

TIP! When you are defending, keep your stance low. This helps you jump fast and react quickly.

Hopefully, these great tips have given you confidence. These tips are designed to show you how to be the best player that you can be. Practice is the only way to master the game and it is a never ending learning process. Take the game to new heights, and keep this advice in mind when you start.