TIP! Practice your defense more than your offense. Defense is how you win a basketball game.

Basketball is a game that many people love to play. This can be played at your local park or the driveway. When you love basketball, use this article to learn as much as you can.

TIP! Watch the pro’s play if you want to improve your game. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Dribble on your way to school. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

You need good balance when you shoot. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move. 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 wait for any special season to play some basketball. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team. Knowing what you excel at and then practicing that can help you become perfect at it!

TIP! Don’t play when you are injured! It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. Trying to play while injured will just make your situation worse.

Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

TIP! Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it.

Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. The core muscles include the lower back, hips and abdonimals. The core is the muscle group that links the arms and legs together. If their core strength is poor, then so will their athletic performance be. A strong core helps the legs move better, like jumping higher and running faster.

TIP! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. If it is a serious injury, see a doctor.

TIP! Ask someone to take a video of you playing and watch it. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

TIP! Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Try to keep your palm off of the ball as well. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Always be aware of your feet. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. In addition, if you move your feet and you don’t dribble, you will be called for walking. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

TIP! Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. This might not seem possible, but if you can do it your speed and length will strengthen.

Get someone to analyze how you play on tape. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself. It is prudent that you look at yourself as others do and not as how you would like to be.

TIP! To trap someone in a 2-3 zone, get your guards to wait for the point guard to get about 10 feet past midcourt. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Force them out of their comfort zone. Your defensive moves must be aggressive and executed properly. You don’t want the defense choosing your plays so to speak. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Force them to act and their rhythm will get disrupted.

TIP! Increase your weak hand’s capabilities by using it for everything you normally would not. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it.

Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. Don’t ever believe you’re going to be able to stand still, receive a pass and take a shot. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.

TIP! Avoid dribbling above your knees. Opponents will have a hard time stealing the ball from you if you keep it low.

A good basketball drill to perform is to see if you can get the ball down the entire court in 5 or less dribbles. This may be difficult in the beginning, but if you manage it, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with. It will allow you to execute easy layups.

TIP! You need to follow a rhythm when you dribble so you can break the rhythm and throw off an opponent. A steady dribble interrupted by a fast dribble will take your opponent by surprise and give you the advantage.

To better three-point shooting, try using NBA distance as the minimum. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer. If you’re able to get the shot from where the NBA shoots, then you can start working from a range further than the defense expects.

TIP! It is important to take your diet seriously if you want to be the best player you can be. If you’re playing regularly, you need energy-loaded carbs as well as some fat and protein.

Communication with your team mates is crucial to your overall success. Your actions and strategies must not be kept to yourself. Basketball is played by a team. This means that everyone on the team must work together to achieve a common goal. Instead, all players help and support one another. Be vocal on the court to form better communication with your teammates for play.

TIP! For example, a misfired shot launched from the corner of a basketball court usually hits the net, bounces off the site, and lands on the opposite side. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.

No matter if you’re playing competitive basketball or just a friendly game of horse, improving your basketball skill-set can make the game much more enjoyable. Now that you’ve read this, you can start using it. Learning more will make you a better player.