TIP! It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Defense is essential to winning these games.

Without practicing basketball, it would be pretty difficult to win any games. You should use your practice time wisely, and follow good advice from experienced teachers. The tips that follow here are going to allow you to make your goals more often and teach you other things as well.

TIP! Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn.

Dribble properly. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. This will give you better control of the basketball. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. Don’t look down, always look up.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again. This must be done quickly to be successful. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.

TIP! Constantly practice layups. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots.

Practice your layups a lot. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. Perfecting this skill will enable you to get to the rim effortlessly during a game.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up. If your practice hasn’t included this type of scenario, you might lose control rapidly.

Core Muscles

TIP! Watch your own recorded games, and look for weak areas. Did you spot something that could be improved? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.

TIP! To become a reliable free throw shooter, always go through the same routine before each shot. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot.

Quality footwork will help you get better shots. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Plant your feet and own that spot. Footwork, therefore, is crucial.

TIP! Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. To practice this skill, bounce the ball between your legs so that it passes through as you step back and forth.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Do you do something really good? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

TIP! Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. One area of focus should be to keep your shoulders aligned straight toward the hoop. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.

TIP! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. Following the same routine gives your body will maintain muscle memory for more consistent free throw shooting.

TIP! When playing defense, always try to stay low. This will let you get to the jump quicker and let you react to your opponent easier.

If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.

TIP! You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. This keeps your opponent from being able to steal the ball.

To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Exercise your non-dominant hand by securing your dominant hand at your side or behind your back. Soon enough you will develop those weak hand dribbling skills.

TIP! Use exercises that are adapted to your level and needs. Sprinting exercises can help you to become faster, while running for long distances can assist you in making it through the whole game.

Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! Serious basketball players take their diets seriously too. If you play all the time, you need to eat carbs on a regular basis.

Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. When you’re moving towards the net, act like you’re going to straighten up. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. Once they slow their momentum, you can shoot past them with a burst of speed.

TIP! When you’re getting down after catching the rebound, you should come down with spread out legs so that they’re wider than your shoulders to get good balance. Clasp your hands around the sides of the ball, and clutch it tightly to your chest.

In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. Taking quick shots during practice will help you during the game when the pressure is on. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. Doing so allows you to move more precisely and with greater accuracy.

TIP! If you notice that a player is weaker with one hand, put them in a situation where they will have to use that hand. If they are right handed, step towards them with your left foot so they have to switch sides.

Become a better basketball player even if you know how to play. Start by mastering one tip and then move on to another. It is possible to attain greater passing ability, master the art of rebounding and shoot with tremendous accuracy.