TIP! When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense.

Anyone who loves to play basketball can become obsessed with the game. You want to show those skills and work as a team to give your fans a reason to cheer. This is the responsibility of every team member, so it’s important that team members view their own skills and abilities realistically. Read on for great tips which will help you win more often.

TIP! Make sure you dribble properly by keeping your head held up, facing forward. You should never be looking at the basketball while dribbling.

Be sure to dribble correctly every time. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm. Using your fingers allows you to better control the basketball. Dribble to the side of your body rather than directly in front of you, bouncing at waist level. Always look up and never look down at the ground.

TIP! Crossovers are key for ball handlers. Being able to dribble the ball with both hands and crossover between the two will make you a better player.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Practice this technique regularly. Start by holding your basketball right in the front of your own face. Focus on the ball and visualize it going toward the goal. Then shoot! Shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket.

You must learn how to dribble, how a crossover is done and other important ball handling skills. This term refers to switching the hand you use. You must do it fast for best success. When executed properly, a crossover dribble lets you alternate directions suddenly so that you can move down the entire court quickly.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

Practice your layup shot often. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Practicing this technique helps you learn to make layups during a game.

TIP! Want to trick the other team? The back pass is just the thing! To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. The next step is pull the basketball behind the back.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. If they don’t signal, don’t pass to them.

TIP! Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. It’s frustrating to pass to your teammate at the very moment they’re heading toward the basket.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Do you have an area where you excel? They may say you’re fast or that you share well. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor.

Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. If you want to play the game fast, you need to drill continuously. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

TIP! Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core.

Videotape your games to see what you do right and wrong. Did you spot something that could be improved? You can use this information to improve your game. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

Free Throw

TIP! To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. When shooting right-handed, take off using the left foot.

High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball.

To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball. This gets you the rebound without you committing a foul.

TIP! A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position.

Dribble very hard to prevent the opposing team players from stealing the ball. If you dribble hard, the ball will go back to your hand quickly and the offense will not be able to snatch it easily. If you are being guarded closely, bring your dribbling to an end and pass the ball to another open team member.

TIP! Make sure that you can see clearly. While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting. Peripheral vision is important during game play. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.

Strength Training

TIP! An excellent tip to help you with shooting skills is to shoot the ball from different spots on the court. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot.

If you play basketball, you should incorporate strength training into your workout routine. Being physically tough is as important as having the stamina to keep up with the game. Even smaller children can use fitness routines to build stronger arms and legs. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. When you’re an adult you have to be sure to do strength training to do well on the court.

TIP! If possible, keep the ball below your knees. This makes it more difficult for your opponents to steal the ball.

You can strengthen you weaker hand by using it as much as possible, for instance open jars or even brush your teeth. These tasks help to make your weaker hand feel more natural when you use it on the court. This will help you with your basketball game also.

TIP! You need to practice many types of shots on the basketball court. You should first practice on balancing and your grip.

As this article has shown you, you can improve the game you play in many ways. Being good contributes to an overall better team, and that is what leads to lots of happy fans. Everyone at the game has to play their role. In basketball, it’s important to play as a team. The tips shared here can help you when it comes to knowing more about this fun sport.