TIP! You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring.

There is no limit to the love that so many people feel for the sport of basketball. It combines skill, accuracy, excitement, and entertainment. To become a star in basketball, you need a strong work ethic and lots of practice. Be sure to attend carefully to this article to gain valuable knowledge.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. You can teach your body to make a free throw properly, but unless you are properly prepared mentally, you may not succeed.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise. Put this technique into practice as often as you can. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Focus on the basket and picture the ball slipping into the net. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.

TIP! You can improve your passing skills by practicing a simple drill where dribbling is forbidden. This is very hard to accomplish, but it forces you and your fellow players to work on accurate passing skills.

Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Always have a basketball handy. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you look your ball, you can’t see the court.

TIP! Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. It is very frustrating when a teammate isn’t open for the perfect pass.

When using the ball a lot, you must relearn a crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in. That action has to be done fast to be successful. When done properly, crossover dribbling is a great way to quickly switch direction or move around the court in an efficient manner.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Do you have an area where you excel? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

TIP! In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. The core is what holds the body in balance and allows the limbs to work well. Building a solid core helps maintain the leg strength that lies at the core of a strong game.

TIP! Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. To practice, simply bounce the basketball between your legs while stepping either forward or backwards.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. When they are out of alignment, all shots will fail. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. The shoulder that’s dominant needs to be lined up with the rim perfectly.

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent.

The game will be more fun if you keep the tips in your mind when you practice. Look at videos and blogs, and make sure you read more articles, so you can always keep learning. Keep all this information in mind to become better.