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.

Basketball has really taken off in popularity. Basketball is universally enjoyable by people who want to play for fun and those who wish to play semi professionally or professionally. Nearly everyone that plays wishes to become a great player and win the game. The following tips will help you become an even better player.

TIP! Crossovers are key for ball handlers. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. This technique should be practiced often if possible. Start by holding your ball before your face. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.

TIP! Make sure that you practice your layups frequently. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

You need to keep your balance if you’re shooting. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. They have just improvised, is all. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.

Bounce Passes

TIP! If your son or daughter wants to play high school basketball, they need to work on core muscle training. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on.

Bounce passes are important in the game of basketball. Good bounce passes need to hit the other player waist length when they receive it. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

TIP! You should ask your teammates about your strengths and weaknesses. Can you get better at something? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities.

Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. Making the right physical motions is easier than having the right mind set. Relax and focus on the basket; this will help you succeed.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, be sure they’re working on their core muscles. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. A core that’s solid and strong will allow you to use force that comes from your legs so you can jump higher and run faster.

TIP! When you have the chance, take charge. When you do that, you can earn defensive stops, get the ball back, and set up foul shots against the other team.

Have your team mates critique your playing skills. What are your your best skill areas? It could be your speed, or it could be your back-up abilities. By understanding what your teammates see as your best skills, you can ensure that you keep a strong focus and hone these abilities even more.

TIP! To build up your skills with your weaker hand, use it for everything from opening jars to 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.

Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. Always knowing where the ball is will make sure that you are ready if it quickly comes your way. Also, you need to stay aware of areas which might open up and give you an easy basket.

TIP! Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options.

Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. You will have better luck holding onto the ball as well. Also, keep your palm off the ball. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. Expect to encounter many different situations in a game.

After reading the above article you should be familiar with how to get better at basketball. Some are simple and just take practice. The more you practice, the more you’ll improve your skills. Regardless of whether or not you play on a team or a playground, these tips will make your game better.