TIP! It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense is what wins basketball games.

Dedication is key to becoming a better basketball player. This is true even if you only want to play for fun. You can gain valuable knowledge when you read this article.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups.

When dribbling, make sure you hold your head high and look straight ahead. If you’ve got your eye on the ball while you’re dribbling, you haven’t mastered it yet. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Dribble the ball as you go about your day doing errands like walking the dog. If you’re trying to look at the ball then you’re not concentrating on what’s going on down the court.

TIP! Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately.

Constantly practice layups. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! Play basketball games with yourself during the season and before it. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with.

Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Then, put the ball around your back. Quickly flick with your wrist in the direction you want to pass the ball. Doing this will trick your opponent.

TIP! If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. Core muscles are comprised of the hips, lower back, and abdominal muscles.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. If an injury is serious, go to see a physician.

TIP! When you’re trying to work out, you should build up your core strength while getting your footwork perfected. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. The strongest defenders are those who have information.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in other directions. Your opponents can really get confused by this, as well.

Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. Just don’t play any faster than you’re able to. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate.

Learn to pass the ball without looking at your intended target. This will easily confuse your opponents. When you do it right, the opponents are going to think you’re moving in one direction. That way, the person you’ve given the ball to has a bit of time to look at the net to taking a shot. It really can be a powerful technique.

TIP! If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court.

Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it will increase your stride length and your speed. This will help you accomplish great layups on those fast breaks.

TIP! To improve 3 point shooting, practice from NBA distance, at least. The standard line , high school and college lines are all going to be closer.

You can improve your shooting skills by practicing with shots from different spots on the court. Try dribbling a little and pull up for your shot. Avoid looking at your target until you are in the air. All these techniques give you the feel of actual game play, and this will help you become more accurate.

TIP! If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. To improve further, work on fast dribbling just before shooting.

Concentrate your ball-handling below knee level whenever possible. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you. You’ll have to bend over, but it will be worth the effort.

TIP! Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. Running for short quick bursts at a time will help you become quicker, and running long distance can help with stamina.

Your off-court practice should mimic your on-court playing. Running for long distances will increase your stamina, while running sprints will help you with fast-paced moves. Lifting weights can help you get more muscle. The aggression and confidence you get from this can also assist you more than most things if you’re shooting.

TIP! Make sure you stay in a constant rhythm until it is time to make your move. Dribble consistently, then break it up by dribbling fast.

Having good communication on the court with teammates is a great way to play. Basketball is played by a team. Playing is more than just you and one other person. Players on the same team help each one another out. When everyone works together, you can play better as a team.

TIP! You need to learn how to change your opponent’s personal path. No matter what position you play, the ability to control other players is essential.

Make strong team environments off and on the court. A team that works together is an unstoppable team. If you know your team members intimately and everyone trusts each other, your game will be seriously enhanced.

TIP! After a rebound has occurred, the spot where you are positioned will dictate whether possession is retained. Improve your balance a power by using both feet to jump and use both hands to grab the ball.

Do not double dribble. That happens when you stop one time, and start again in a few seconds. If dribbling stops, you must pass or shoot the basketball. You can’t just start dribbling again. This is called a turnover, and you’ll lose the ball immediately to your opponent.

TIP! You need to control your nerves when shooting the ball. Focus on the basketball hoop.

Be aware of your position when a shot is made so you can be in a good spot to grab a rebound. Use both feet to jump with power and balance, and use both hands to grab the ball. After rebounding, land with wide feet to keep your balance, and clutch the ball to your chest.

TIP! Focus on the ball and where it is going. An important part of basketball is rebounding.

If you have to guard a taller or bigger player, concentrate on remaining between that person and the player with the ball. This will limit their ability to pass the ball.

TIP! Practice dribbling harder as part of your routine. This is because when you bounce the ball hard, the ball is moving quicker and gives the defender less time to try to snatch it away when it is out of your hands.

You need to prepare for action, using the strategies that have been discussed here. You’ll get better a little bit at a time if you keep the tips here in mind and practice them as well. Before you know it, you will be a superior player.