TIP! You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense.

Have you every wished you were LeBron James or Michael Jordan? Rather than just imagining it, work hard to make those dreams a reality. The tips that follow will get you on the path to greatness.

TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. You want to dribble with the tips of your fingers, not your whole hand.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. One of the best ways to improve your dribbling is to bring your ball along anytime you need to walk somewhere. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you need to look at the ball while dribbling, you’ll need to practice more.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. Crossovers must be done quickly to keep defenders at bay. Once you’ve learned how to use it, the crossover dribble makes it easy to navigate the court in a more effective way.

TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. Being able to get imperfect passes will limit turnovers.

TIP! If you want to be a master of the jump shot, do not make weight lifting a priority. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Practice using different types of defenses. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is very challenging physically, and this can cause further serious injury.

If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

TIP! Spreading out your fingers is key to handling the ball correctly. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling.

Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Stepping ever so slightly out of bounds while you have the ball can cause an overturn. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. You can’t move a foot when you take a charge, pick or screen either, or it’s a foul.

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.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. Also, this will improve your balance as you approach the basket.

TIP! Practice your footwork and control the position of your feet at all times. Just touching the baseline is going to get you called out of bounds.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Make them feel uncomfortable and to where they’re second guessing their next move. Execute your moves with aggression. Don’t allow them to control the match. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. You need to adopt an aggressive style and react quickly so you can interrupt the patterns set by your opponents.

TIP! Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game.

After you’ve read this, you should have some things that you’re able to practice. Practice hard and with consistency. Over time, the work you put in will translate to confidence on the court. Keep in mind the above pointers and in no time you will be able to show off your improving skills.