TIP! It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring.

Your first game of basketball was likely an amazing, exciting new experience. You were figuring out the best ways to dribble the ball, to pass it, and to shoot it. Now, you feel like you are the game’s master. The following article will show you that you still have much to learn.

TIP! Hand signals will help you avoid those errant passes. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket.

Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. Defense is essential to winning these games. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

TIP! One way to get a good understanding of your game is to ask your fellow players about your ability. Do they feel you are really good at something? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player.

Learn how to maneuver a crossover if you have the ball fairly often. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. This action most be quick to work out. When you do it right, the crossover dribble helps you alter directions and go down the court faster.

TIP! You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game.

To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

TIP! Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Be honest when assessing, but avoid being overly critical.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. When you practice, run full speed ahead at the basket, jump, and shoot. This running and jumping technique will help you learn how to jump and shoot better during the game.

TIP! A routine can enable your free throw percentage to rise. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time.

Do not practice solely against zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. If you are unprepared, you may lose the match fast.

TIP! If you wish to dribble the ball better, you have to start using your hand that’s considered the weak one. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. The back pass is just the thing! Hold the ball using your dominant hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. Flick your wrists in the direction that it must travel. This should help to trick the other team.

TIP! A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. Do you do something particularly well? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots.

A great way to stay prepared at all times is to always face the ball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. Taking a charge allows you a chance to earn a defensive stop, take the ball for your team, and sets up one more foul against the opponent.

You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. You can read scouting reports and watch tapes to evaluate your opponents game. Figure out which people are right or left handed. If you know their game, you can defend against it. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. As you approach the goal, plant your foot and then straighten up.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.

Free Throw

TIP! You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your outside shooting game. If you wish to get even better at this, try dribbling and then stopping to make a quick shot.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.

TIP! Keep the lines of communication with other players open. Basketball is considered a team sport.

If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. This allows you to grab the rebound legally.

TIP! If a shot is taken from the corner and missed, the ball typically ends up across the court from the player. Figure out where it will land to grab the rebound.

Now that you learned a great deal about basketball, you should take your game to another level. So, set some goals and practice with all your might. With these tips and lots of practice, soon enough you will see lots of improvements to your game.