TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

When you are thinking about how you can get better at basketball, the thing of most importance is to practice. That said, what’s the point in practicing when you aren’t doing it right in the first place? This text helps you get the shot in every time.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Hold the ball level with your head. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. You should then shoot and try following the trajectory you visualized.

TIP! Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court.

Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

TIP! Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? The back pass is perfect for this. To accomplish this pass, grasp the ball using your dominant hand. Next, place the ball behind you. Then, quickly snap your wrist toward the location where you want the ball to end up. This will confuse the opposition.

TIP! Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. Looking at tapes can help you identify strengths and weaknesses.

Work on passing through your legs to add another skill to your arsenal. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off. This balances your body when moving towards your basket. It keeps your body in between you and the defender.

TIP! If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. The defender in your path will be moving at you, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Try tying the dominant hand behind you and forcing yourself to just using your weak hand. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. Taking charges gives you an opportunity to get defensive stops, get the ball and lay the groundwork for fouls.

Being a good defensive player involves disrupting your opponent’s concentration. Don’t let them get comfortable. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Do not let them choose the plays to make. If you allow this, they will run over you. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Shuffle your feet in a side to side motion, then use your opposite foot to push off and give you good leverage.

Make your forearms and hands stronger so you can handle the ball better. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation. Don’t believe you will be able to simply plant yourself someplace, receive the ball and sink a shot. Things rarely happen unless you are actually moving the basketball.

TIP! Changing up your pace is something you have to do to make sure the offense is paying attention. When you are getting closer to the net, put your foot out and straighten up your body.

Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. You will need to learn how to push the basketball in front of you while making long strides. In games, this drill will become useful when you have fast break opportunities.

TIP! The position you take just before and just after getting a rebound will play a large role in whether you can retain possession. If you wish to have better balance and power, then make sure you use both feet when you jump.

You need to take a charge anytime you can. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.

Weight Training

TIP! Always know where the basketball is headed when it leaves a players hands. An important part of basketball is rebounding.

It can be great help to do strength training when you’re training for basketball. You need both stamina and strength to be a good player. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. As players mature, weight training can begin. When they become an adult, weight training becomes mandatory.

TIP! If the opposing team uses zone defense, try a penetrating dribble. Passing a defensive player and moving into the lane is sure to prompt a defensive shift or even a collapse.

If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. If you gain more mastery of it in all walks of life, you improve overall control. This will start to appear in the game of basketball, too.

TIP! Make a list of your exercise goals. There are lots of players who enter the gym without a plan.

Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. If you stop dribbling, then you don’t really have that many options. If you don’t shoot or pass, you can only pivot using your back foot. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.

TIP! For more advanced players, ball dribbling involves mental and physical abilities alike. You need to control the basketball spin, just how hard the contact is with the court and even where exactly it lands relative to your feet.

Regardless of your ability, by using the advice above you are sure to see improvement. Just start with one tip and watch your game improve. You can improve your game in every way, just like professional.