TIP! You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense can make or break a basketball game.

What should I learn about basketball? What do I need to understand in order to strengthen my game? In this article we will provide you with some basic information to act as a solid foundation for your basketball performance.

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Watch professionals play or go check out talented local teams to see who has the moves that you want to learn.

Make sure to dribble properly. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Always have a basketball handy. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. You need to be balanced properly if you’re going to be making shots, so that over time you’ll be able to always hit the basket.

TIP! If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. Focus on positioning yourself more quickly than the opposing player is just as important as having someone beneath the hoop.

A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. This is very challenging at first, but eventually it will really improve your entire team’s passing game.

TIP! You can improve your control of the ball by spreading your fingers. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

Bad passes can be avoided with the right hand signals. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. Hand signals can help you communicate with your teammate on the court. Without a signal, you should not attempt to pass the ball to a player.

TIP! Watch your shoulders and their position if you notice yourself developing a slump in your shooting. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. When you get this move down, you will have an advantage.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds.

Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.

TIP! The best free throws come as a result of routine. This could mean dribbling twice, shaking out your head to loosen your neck or whatever else makes you comfortable.

Can you see well? This isn’t just for reading the scoreboard. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. If you view the entire game without focusing on the ball, you’ll see defensive pressure advance, along with open teammates.

Strength Training

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. Stamina and strength are two things you need to do well in this sport. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. As adults, it will be imperative to maintain a strength training routine.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back.

Remain low when playing defense. Staying low gives you a better chance to play the ball and helps you move more quickly. Always stay in the proper stance on defense. The only time you should be out of your stance is when you are jumping to block an opponent shooting.

TIP! Bend your knees when dribbling the basketball. When you are rigid, the ball is not only hard to control, it is also an easier target for a rival to steal.

Are you aware of the answers to the questions you have? Do you feel like you are prepared for a game of basketball? After reading this article, you will be able to become a better ball player. Implement these tips to help you reap great rewards.