TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what wins basketball games.

The game of basketball has been enjoyed for decades, giving people the ability to have some fun while competing on the court. If you are going to play basketball, start by having some serious practice drills. Using these tips will help you improve your basketball game.

TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough.

Practice hitting your free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Try using this technique in practicing. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Look at the basket and imagine the ball going in it. You should then shoot and try following the trajectory you visualized.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders. These players are using creative improvisation. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

TIP! Do not practice by playing against the zone defense. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. Therefore, it pays to practice catching passes that are a bit off-target.

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Are you great at any one thing? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware.

You should practice against a variety of defense types, not just zone. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

TIP! Spread your fingers out to handle the ball properly. The ball will not get away if you always keep your fingers spread when handling the ball.

Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! Stay conscious of your foot motion and placement. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn.

Want to trick the other team? Make use of the back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Move the ball so that it is behind you. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. This is a good way to trick your opponents.

TIP! If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes.

If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Basketball is sport played in teams, but there are times when no one is around to play with you. There is nothing wrong with that. You can still do a lot on your own. Practice free throws and layups. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! Your routines must be consistent for free throws. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time.

Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. If you don’t see a signal, try to find someone else to pass to.

TIP! A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Don’t let your opponent get comfortable out there on the court.

Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! You should ensure that you can clearly see. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. While you run at the net, plant the front foot and start straightening your body.

The game will be more fun if you keep the tips in your mind when you practice. Start with the great advice in the article above and keep on learning as much as you can. Keep all this information in mind to become better.