TIP! It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense is what stands between you and a win.

Countless individuals love the sport of basketball. You can just shoot some baskets at the park, or try to make a career out of playing. Read this article for great basketball advice.

Practice your defense more than your offense. Basketball games are often won by the defense. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

TIP! Don’t dribble during your drills. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

You should often work on your layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game. When you practice, run toward the net, and then get a high jump in so you can smoothly shoot. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Learn how to catch any sort of throw.

TIP! If you get hurt during a basketball game, don’t try to play while in pain. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt.

If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.

Core Muscles

TIP! Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. The core muscles are the hips, lower back muscles and the abdominal muscles. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. Strong core muscles help you with many movements associated with basketball.

TIP! Consistency in your approach is vital to becoming solid at free throws. This might mean that you dribble the ball twice, bend your knees, touch your forehead, or any other movement.

Don’t play while injured or else your injury will worsen. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured. Playing through an injury can prolong it which is always bad. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand.

Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. 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. Also, watch for areas to open up so you can make an easy basket.

TIP! Can you see well? This will help you to secure the ball during the game. Your peripheral vision should be up to par.

Being able to anticipate your opponent is a key skill. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes. Know which players are left and right handed. Once you understand the opposition, you will now how to mount your defense. A knowledgeable defender is a strong defender.

TIP! Basketball players need to engage in strength training. Stamina and physical strength are required for basketball excellence.

You need to be quick to be good at basketball. Always stay ahead of the opposition. In order to play fast, you must practice drills. Never try though to get too fast that you can’t make any plays. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.

TIP! Practice dribbling by switching momentum. This will help you learn to dribble during all different kinds of situations.

Try to strengthen your forearms and hands to better handle the ball. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. You can’t just stand and shoot for the whole game. It is essential to move the ball around in order to succeed.

TIP! What you eat can affect how you play. Playing basketball uses a lot of energy, so it is important that you eat a lot of carbs, lean meats and protein.

Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. This isn’t just so you can read the scoreboard and be able to make shots and catch passes. Your peripheral vision should be the best it can be. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.

TIP! Always anticipate where a missed basket might go so you can grab the resulting rebound. Pay attention to this as you prepare for a rebound.

After reading the above article you should have an idea on what it takes to follow the game of basketball. It’s not hard, you just have to know what to do and work for it. As you become more confident during game play, you will perform better. All you need to do is hit the court and have some fun!