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 ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball.

Basketball was created by Dr. It is an extremely popular sport all over the world today. Since that time, it has exploded into the big time world of sports. Players who excel in basketball have become household names. There have been celebrities brought about by this game for some time now. If learning from their success is what you want, then you should read this article.

TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you must look at the ball while dribbling, you haven’t practiced enough. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! If you typically handle the ball a lot, it pays to learn the crossover. A crossover happens when you switch hands the ball is in.

Learn what a crossover is and how to do it. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. You must do it fast for best success. When done correctly, the crossover dribble help you to change direction in order to move down the court efficiently.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Go to a bunch of professional games in person, watch them on television, or just get online to search for basketball videos.

Free throws are as mental as physical. You must train both your body and your mind. Take a deep breath, relax and imagine you are at practice to help yourself make the shot.

Perfect Passes

TIP! In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. This will help prevent the ball from getting away from you while dribbling.

Practice the skill of pass catching. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. Make sure that your teammates also practice this type of pass with you.

TIP! When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. 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. Practice with each type of defense so you will know what to expect.

TIP! Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. Don’t worry! In solo games, you can accomplish quite a bit. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. Good footwork is key to a good basketball game.

TIP! In your drills, you should attempt to move the basketball the length of the court in fewer than half a dozen dribbles. You may find this very challenging, but once accomplished it will give you a real edge.

Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Do you do something particularly well? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Find out what others think your natural abilities are, and be certain to keep developing those skills.

TIP! You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. If you’re able to do more with your other hand daily, you can start controlling it better.

Make sure your fingers are apart from one another when dribbling. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Don’t let your palms touch it. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.

TIP! Use the non-dribbling hand to create a buffer between the ball and your opposition. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand.

If the opposition is hot on your tail, pass between your legs. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. This move can give you an advantage when playing a tough defense.

TIP! If you are serious about basketball then you should be serious about your diet. In order to be skilled at basketball you need to load up on carbs to give yourself plenty of energy.

Use the foot opposite of the hand you shoot with for a better layup. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. Your body remains balanced while you move towards the basket.

TIP! Be careful not to double-dribble. This happens when you cease dribbling once and begin again within a few seconds.

In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Use your opponent’s weakness to your advantage, especially if they’re ball dominant with one hand. Move towards their right side so they must dribble with their weaker left hand.

A good defensive strategy will keep your opponent on their toes. Force them out of their comfort zone. Make assertive moves, keeping your opponent unsure of your next move. Never let them control the game plays. The more aggressively smart team is usually the one who wins. Try to interrupt their game plan by taking charge and controlling the tempo.

TIP! When you are dribbling, practice bouncing the basketball as hard as you can. This will make it harder for any defender to pull off a steal from you.

Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.

TIP! When doing a workout routine, write down what you need to accomplish. Many players go to the gym with no plan.

Make sure that the pace changes when you are on defense. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up. The offense will believe that you’re stopping or slowing down and may follow in your steps. Once they slow their momentum, you can shoot past them with a burst of speed.

TIP! Dribbling is as much mental as it is physical. It is not only about bouncing the ball but the position, spin and speed of the ball in combination with your foot placement.

To play in regulation basketball, you’ll need ten players and a hoop that’s at least ten feet high. To play your best, you must have good knowledge. Using this article as a starting point, keep practicing and learning and you’ll soon be a master of the game.