TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy.

What should you learn about basketball? Is there some aspect of the game that would make a person become better and also love the game more? This article will provide you with great tips that will come in handy the next time that you go to play a game of basketball.

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.

It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

TIP! You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

Free throws are an excellent skill to practice in your spare time. This is one of those shots that seem easy but in real life are difficult. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. Begin by holding the ball directly in front of your face. Eye the basket and imagine the ball swishing down into it. When you shoot, keep the visualized trajectory in mind.

TIP! Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player.

Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover. You must do it fast for best success. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

TIP! Frequent pass catching practice is important. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect.

Don’t pump a lot of iron if you wish to become a jump shooter. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

TIP! Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. While basketball is a team sport, sometimes you just can’t find others to play with.

Quickness is a virtue in basketball. Try to play faster than your opponents for an advantage. You need to really drill to get to the point where you can play fast. Though, you should never attempt to a play faster game than your abilities permit. Playing beyond your capabilities will lead to bad passes and lots of turnovers.

TIP! Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball.

Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Can you see chances that you missed or ways that you could have done better? Honestly and openly assess your own performance. Sometimes you think of yourself as something you are not.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. Are you really good at any one thing? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. If you can pull it off, it’s effective to draw your opponents away from the shooter. That way the shooter gets a great look before shooting. It can be quite powerful.

Free Throw

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This is a simple thing that could easily confuse your opponents.

Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you are inconsistent then your shot will be off. Practice makes perfect when shooting free throws. If your free throw routine is out of whack, you will miss.

TIP! To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left.

Be sure that your site is good. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. You want to make sure that you see what is going on to the sides of you. Tunnel vision makes it difficult to play effectively, so try to view the entire court and all players.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. Although this might seem tricky in the beginning, this can really help your game if you can master this skill.

A key play on defense is to draw a charge. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

In order to confuse the offense, try changing your pace. You can try faking a jump shot by planting quickly, and straightening your body. The guard will assume you are reducing speed and will do the same. Push forward and blast by them.

Strength Training

TIP! Your diet plays a major role in your health and success on the basketball court. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein.

Improve your basketball skills by incorporating strength training into your fitness regimen. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina. Basketball requires a lot of sprinting and jumping. If you have been exercising regularly for years, it might be time to introduce weights into the mix. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.

TIP! If someone shoots from the corner of the basketball court and misses, it will bounce over the net onto the opposite side. Attempt to catch the resulting rebound by watching the angle from which it was shot.

As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. This can give them an opportunity to run up to that point guard to trap them. At the same time, have your forwards on the blocks sprint out to the players on the wings. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.

TIP! Avoid arguing with officials and referees. You do not have to agree with the call made, and asking questions of the officials is fine.

When dribbling you want to keep your knees bent. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it. Merely bending your knees a bit can provide you with much better ball control.

TIP! Communication is a big part of basketball. Build this during team practice.

In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots. Look at your target while you’re in the air, but not before that. This way, you will be ready for the rapid pace of game play.

TIP! Focus on developing your footwork. Knowing how to position your feet will help you play a variety of positions and pivot effectively.

Communicating with your teammates is a vital part of being a good basketball player. Basketball is not an individual sport. That means offense and defense aren’t one on one. Everyone helps everyone else. If you communicate your wishes before you go out on the court, the team will work better as a unit.

TIP! Try to block every shot. Even if they’re not the person you’re assigned to, run at them when they get the ball.

If you know that the person with the ball is weak with one hand, force them to use it. Move towards their right side so they must dribble with their weaker left hand. Keep your head parallel to their chest, and you will stay low and primed to snatch the ball.

TIP! In order to properly play basketball, you have to learn how to shoot free throws. Fouls play a major role in a game, even more so when the game is close toward the end.

When the person you are tasked with guarding is bigger than you, remain in front of them. This will prevent them from getting an easy pass and stop them from shooting the ball right over your head.

TIP! Keep practicing those defensive drills. When you can steal the ball and block effectively, you will help your team win.

These tips should help you become a better player. Do you think you can now apply this knowledge on the court? Can you deal with becoming a better basketball player thanks to this article? Implement these tips to help you reap great rewards.