TIP! It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

Your first basketball match was a whole different ballgame. There were so many different things to learn about the game. Now you may feel that you know quite a bit about the game. In this article we will strive to share new and different ideas with you, no matter how skilled you are.

TIP! Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game.

Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot. Take a deep breathe, relax and block out all outside distractions before taking the shot.

TIP! You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect. When playing in the game, it’s rare that every pass will hit a bulls-eye. You can do the rest of your team a favor by practicing how you can best complete imperfect passes.

TIP! If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles.

A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge. This may be hard and frustrating at first, but as you get the hang of it your entire team will begin to excel at passing.

TIP! Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Are you skilled at something? It may be that you are quick on your feet or that you are always there to back them up.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers.

Make better passes through the use of coordinated hand signals. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another. Using signals helps communicate passes with your team. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles.

If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. There are two important points you must remember. You must create a physical presence below the basket, and you must secure a good spot in advance of your opponent. Plant your feet and own that spot. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Can you get better at something? You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. Find out what your strong points are in the eyes of others. This way you can develop your most valuable skills.

TIP! Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. When you are in possession of the ball, touching the baseline will get you out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

TIP! Practice noticing what is in your peripheral vision. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way.

Now that you learned a great deal about basketball, you should take your game to another level. Set your goals and practice all you can to better your skills. When you add the tips and use them in your game, you’ll see the results you have always wanted.