TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

Basketball was created by a man named Dr. It was invented by a man named Dr. James Naismith. After that it has become something that a lot of people have fallen in love with. From Doctor J. J or Magic Johnson, basketball has turned players into celebrities. To learn from the experts, keep reading.

TIP! One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Many times, defense actually wins the game. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

TIP! Make sure you spend your time focusing on your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

Make sure that you’re dribbling the ball correctly. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. When you do this you will have more control over the ball. Bounce the ball no higher than your waist and keep the ball at your side rather than in front. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

Free throws are mental as well as physical. You must train both your body and your mind. Relax and concentrate on your basket to increase your free throws.

Core Muscles

TIP! Children who aspire to become great basketball players in high school must engage in physical fitness activities that focus on the core muscles. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. These core muscles for basketball include your lower back, hips and abs. The core links the upper and lower extremities and without a strong one, their athletic performance will be limited. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. Can you get better at something? Perhaps they see you as someone who is fast on the court, or that you’re a really good teammate.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. Do you do something particularly well? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. It’s great to get an idea of how your teammates think of your skills, this way you know what areas of the game to focus on.

TIP! When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles.

You never want to have your back to the ball if you can help it. You must always be prepared to receive a pass and you need to know where players are on the court. Keep your eyes open for areas that are open.

TIP! Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. You’ll have a defender coming at you and this means you have to figure out what can be done to get around them.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Learn who the left handed players are and who the right handed ones are. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

TIP! To avoid having the ball stolen, dribble hard. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you.

If you’re quick on the basketball court, you have a built in advantage. To get an advantage over an opposing player, you must have the quickest reactions. You have to be steady as you play quickly. But do not try to play faster than you are able. This can cause you to get out of control and make careless mistakes.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This might seem impossible at first, but if you achieve it, you will have remarkable stride length and speed.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. When done right, the look draws your opponents to the wrong locale so that the person you passed to has a good long look at the basket before shooting. It can be quite powerful.

TIP! Make sure that you can see clearly. You don’t need great vision just to keep score.

In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. Thus, if you use your right hand for shooting, you need to push off using your left foot. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! For exercise, do a workout regimen that will enhance your skills and presence on the court. Sprinting will help you develop speed, while running long distances will help you develop great stamina.

In order to play, all you need is 9 more players, a hoop measured out at 10 feet, and a court that is nearly 100 feet in length. Knowing the basics will enable you to play better. Start with the tips presented here and continue to add to your knowledge of basketball.