TIP! It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Victory requires the ability to play defense.

Now’s the time to learn all about basketball. Maybe you are a player, or you just love to watch the sport. However, you aren’t aware of everything, and all players know that. There’s an excellent chance that you’ll acquire a few skills here. Read on to learn more about what you can do to become a better player and a more useful part of your team.

TIP! Balance is vital to good shooting. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard.

You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Basketball games are won because of good defense. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

TIP! Do not restrict your practices to zone defenses alone. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

TIP! Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes.

Learn how to throw a proper bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. There are, however, other factors that influence the pass.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Try a pass back! To start, grab the ball using your good hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you.

Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.

TIP! Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs.

A great way to learn how to pass is by doing drills often with no dribbling. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately. Don’t get too frustrated if you’re having a hard time when you start because after a while passes are going to be more accurate.

TIP! Try using hand signals to ensure that your passes are received. Passing is tough, especially if you and your teammate are not in sync with one another.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

TIP! If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. Although physical presence under the basket is important, getting to a good spot before your opponent does is even more important.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. You can get around that when you use hand signals, if a player can receive a pass. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

TIP! Don’t let the ball go behind your back. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better. Look at how you did and judge yourself. The reality of your play is often very different from your perception.

TIP! Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. This keeps it under control.

To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! To increase the efficiency of your layups, begin your takeoff on the foot opposite from the hand you’re shooting with. That means, if you shoot right-handed, use your left foot for taking off.

Create a routine to improve your free throw success. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

TIP! Maintain a lower position as you play defense. Doing so improves your reaction time with regards to your opponents’ actions.

Perform exercises to strengthen the muscles in your forearms and hands in order to maximize your ability to handle the ball. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling. Basketball requires its players to move quickly, shoot accurately and pass well. Motion is key to being successful on the court.

TIP! If you want to make a 2-3 zone into something special, have the guards remain put until the opposing team’s guard makes their way about ten feet in from mid-court. This is when they should trap him.

Can you see well? This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way. Your peripheral vision should be at its best. You need to know the location of other players on the court in order to make good passes and avoid turnovers.

TIP! In order to help develop your non-dominant hand, you should use that hand only when trying to open things, and also when brushing your teeth. If you can become more dexterous with it in all aspects of your life, you will be bettering your control of it.

In order to ensure that you are always ready to defend, keep your stance at all times. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot. Never cross your feet and your opponents will find you a difficult player.

TIP! If basketball is something you wish to pursue seriously, your diet should reflect that. In order to be ready for practice and games, it is vital that you have the proper energy stored in your body.

Change your pace up to throw the offense off. When you running towards the basket, try planting the front foot and start straightening up. Your guard will do the same, thinking you plan to stop. As hes does, plow forward and run by him.

TIP! Focus on the ball and where it is going. Rebounds are an essential component of basketball.

Communicating with your teammates is a vital part of being a good basketball player. You need a team to play basketball. This means that defense and offense are not one-on-one. By communicating, you can work together more efficiently. Communicate with your team and you will have more success.

TIP! One important element in basketball is passing. Effective passing can trip up the opposing team.

These tips should help you dominate on the court. Learning to do something new and excelling at it is one of the best feelings you can have. Use the information above to help you develop your basketball skills. Basketball is a great sport to play.