TIP! It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense.

Are you a basketball fan, but know little about the game? You’re not the only one! A lot of people watch others play the game and wish to know how to play just like them. This article is going to teach you some of the things that the pros know.

TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

Practice shooting free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Make sure that you’re applying the following technique when practicing. Start with the ball held out from your face. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Once you’ve visualized this, take your shot as you just saw it in your head.

TIP! Balance is important when shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. You need more practice if you feel that you cannot dribble without focusing on the ball. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. Always look ahead when you are dribbling the ball.

TIP! Put the emphasis on your strengths can help you to be a better basketball player. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

TIP! Free throws require both mental and physical abilities. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter.

It is important that you practice layups. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.

TIP! Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. With strong core muscles, you will have better balance.

You should practice pass catching regularly. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Cover for your teammates’ errant passes by developing the hands to cover their mistakes.

TIP! Practice passing while looking another way. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well.

Do you want to fool the other team? Trick them using a back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. Finally, flick your wrist towards the direction in which you wish that ball to travel. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

Free Throws

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

Perform skills, practice your ball handling and shoot free throws when you are practicing alone. Even if you can’t get a bunch of people together to play, you can still practice on your own. That is okay. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Practice pivoting or doing free throws. You can always do something.

TIP! Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Take them out of their own comfort zone.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. You must beat the opposing playing to an open spot. When you are in position, you must secure your spot. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! You must be able to box out other players when attempting to rebound free throws. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball.

Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Do you do something really good? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. You can learn a lot about your skills by knowing how others see you on the court.

TIP! Ensure that you have good court awareness. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes.

Where are your feet? Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court. If you take several steps while holding the ball, you could be called for traveling. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! To increase your basketball playing abilities, consider strength training exercises. Strength, flexibility and stamina are all important things to have in basketball.

The bottom line is that while you may like basketball a whole lot, it may be that you lacked some key information about it before today. But, now that this article has been read, you should be prepared to start playing like a professional. Keep reading to learn how you can improve your game!