TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

Basketball is a great sport and it’s easy to learn about. You can learn the basics quickly. There’s much more to learn to become better at basketball, and using the advice below will help.

TIP! Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough.

Never practice only against the zone. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! You should often work on your layups. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

Try using hand signals to prevent passes in error. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket. Hand signals help ensure that the player is ready to take the ball. If you don’t see a signal, you shouldn’t pass the ball.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. The back pass is just the thing! To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand.

Good footwork remains a vital part of basketball. Being physical under the rim is crucial, but having good positioning on the court is even better. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

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

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes. You will want to keep extra attention on areas that could improve your position as well.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court. Not dribbling when you take more than a few steps will result in a walking call as well as a forfeit of the ball. You may need to keep your feet planted to avoid getting called for charging.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Are you skilled at something? Perhaps you are quick footed, or you are always ready to lend a hand on the court.

Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This may confuse your opponents, greatly. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. If you can master this move, it can really work in your favor.

TIP! When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

TIP! To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it.

You need to put a damper in your opponent’s plan if you want to be successful with defending. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal. When you are guarding, do so aggressively. Keep them from deciding what moves to make. The more aggressively smart team is usually the one who wins. Instead, take the initiative and disrupt their rhythm.

TIP! When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games.

If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. The defender that’s below you will move towards you, so try to slip by them to obtain the ball. You won’t foul as you catch the rebound this way.

TIP! Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better.

Maybe you just began learning about playing basketball before you read this. Perhaps you grew up playing the sport. In either case, the information in the preceding article can help you become a better player. Put these tips to work whenever you next hit the court.