TIP! It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense.

Countless people derive euphoric thrills from playing or watching the game of basketball. Of course you will never stop learning better ways to become a better player. Keep reading for some awesome advice that most any basketball player or fan can use.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

TIP! Practice basketball in season and out of season. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team.

Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Do you do something really good? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This will help you to be sure that it won’t escape your grasp when trying to hold it.

Quickness is a key skill in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. In order to be fast, you must constantly do drills. But do not try to play faster than you are able. Playing beyond your speed cause the game to get out of control with various turnovers and errant passes.

TIP! Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game.

Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. 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.

If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. You can practice this technique by stepping forward or backward and bouncing the ball with force between your legs. Mastering this movement gives you a big advantage on the court.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually.

To be a good dribbler, and a more versatile player, you have to develop not only your dominant hand but your weaker side as well. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.

TIP! You should ensure that you can clearly see. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Make aggressive plays. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. If you let them control the game, you will lose. Rather, you move first so that you interfere with their rhythm.

TIP! Take every charge you can. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team.

A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice. This can mean easy lay-ups on fast breaks, or just give your team numbers for a moment.

TIP! One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

To play or to watch, basketball is truly one of the most enjoyable sports in existence. But to be a better player, or just to understand the game skills needed, keep reading to find out more. Hopefully, everything that you read here brought you much close to helping you understand this sport.