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. Basketball games are won with a good defense.

Basketball is a type of simple sport that many people play all over the world. The best teams are those that recognize the unique talents and abilities of every player. If you are looking to improve your game skills, the keep reading.

TIP! To be a great basketball player you need to work on your balance. Having good balance will allow you to keep better control of the ball as well as play a better defense.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. If you are looking at the ball, you cannot see what is happening down the court in front of you.

TIP! Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. It is hard to play basketball without dribbling, and demands accurate passing and teamwork, so it will be a challenge.

If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This move entails transferring the basketball from your left hand to your right hand and back again. Your crossovers should be fast, which is why it is important to practice them. Learn how to perform a crossover dribble will help you get down court quickly.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Give the back pass a try! Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Pull it behind you.

Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball. When you practice, you need to be able to run toward the basket at full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This will assist you in perfecting your ability to jump and then shoot.

TIP! If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. This is the hip area, the lower back, and the abs.

Practice your bounce pass. It needs to get to the player at their waist. Remember you should bounce the ball approximately three-quarters of the distance between yourself and the receiving player. Of course, there are also other factors involved.

TIP! If you become injured when playing basketball, stop immediately. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Are you great at any one thing? Knowing your strengths and weaknesses will allow you to develop your skills to become an all around better player.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. The majority of the game is in that area, but be careful about a team who changes things up. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

TIP! If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots.

One good way to learn good passing is drill often without dribbling. Passing drills with your team is important for accurate passes during game time, and you can try doing them without dribbling at all. Do not get frustrated if it it seems difficult at first, over time your team’s passes will become more accurate.

TIP! High percentage free throw shooters typically have the same free throw routine prior to each and every shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else.

Practice basketball in season and out of season. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. This will help improve the hard parts of your game.

TIP! Only stop dribbling when you are prepared to shoot or pass the ball. The instant you stop the dribble, your options become limited.

When you work out, try focusing on building core strength and bettering your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Don’t forget to also work out muscles in your back, buttocks, abdomen and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Practice dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. Basketball games are fast and you will encounter different scenarios while dribbling.

Always be aware of the locations of your feet and what they’re doing. You want to make sure you don’t step over the bounds by even a teeny bit. Going too many steps with no dribbling is a waking call and turnover situation. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.

TIP! Make sure the ball doesn’t bounce above your knees when you dribble. This makes it more difficult for the opposing players to get control of the ball from you.

When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Use whatever hand you aren’t dribbling with as a shield between the ball and your opponent. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul.

Everyone that plays basketball eventually tries mastering specific skills to better their game. Now that you’ve read this article, you know a thing or two about improving your skills. Reread the article, if you feel it necessary, but the most important thing to do is to never cease practicing the techniques and tips within this article.