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. Victory requires the ability to play defense.

Basketball is a game that many people love to play. This game can be played in a park or even in your driveway. Shooting hoops is lots of fun and the following article offers you great tips on how to better yourself.

TIP! Get good at making free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. Don’t get upset if it seems hard, this will improve your team’s passes over time.

TIP! Learn the way to throw proper bounce passes. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist.

Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

TIP! Practice playing a man-to-man defense and 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.

Basketball players need to build strong core muscles. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs. These muscles form a bridge across the lower and upper parts of your body. When the core is weak, it is difficult to coordinate the movements of both halves. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

TIP! Jump shooters should not also be iron pumpers. Muscle is good, but you can have too much.

Have your team mates critique your playing skills. What are your your best skill areas? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. Discover what other people feel are your strongest skills and then set about perfecting them.

TIP! Want to trick the other team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. To start, grab the ball using your good hand.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. As with boxing, you can increase footwork speed and dexterity by jumping rope.

TIP! If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage. Fast play is a result of heavy drilling. Though, you should never attempt to a play faster game than your abilities permit. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.

TIP! Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so.

Practice looking in a different direction when you pass. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well. If you’re doing it correctly you can fake your opponent out so he/she moves towards that direction and then you pass the ball to a wide open teammate for a shot. This play can be very powerful.

Free Throw

TIP! Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. In order to make your free throw perfect, you’ll need to practice the shot many times and get into a routine. If you don’t stick to your routine, you could miss the shot.

TIP! It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds.

Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Try doing some wrist curls as they are particularly effective in honing your dribble skills. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

TIP! Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. When you stay consistent, you get better success.

When playing defense, always try to stay low. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something. Maintain this low stance with arms raised until a shot or high pass is made. If you need to block the opposing team’s shot, resume your stance as soon as you can.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. This will help you to secure the ball during the game.

To create a trapping machine in a standard 2-3 zone, have your two top defenders or your guards wait until point guard is about 10 feet from the time line or midcourt. Then your defending guards should encircle the point guard to trap him in place. Concurrently, have forwards go to the wings. By doing this, you increase the chances for your big men to steal the pass from the point guard.

TIP! Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. If your ability to use that hand starts to improve, the benefits to your basketball playing talents will be substantial.

Use wrist curls to increase the strength in your weaker arm. You’ll find it becomes more controllable. This will make you a force to be reckoned with on the court.

If possible, the action should remain below your knees. This prevents your opponents from stealing the ball. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.

TIP! Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. A consistent pace for your dribble will lull your opponent, and help you move more quickly than they do when the time comes.

Bettering your game play is important if you love basketball. Now that you’ve read this article, go out there and put it to use. As you develop your skills, you will automatically become a better ball player.