TIP! Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what wins basketball games.

Basketball is an enjoyable sport that’s loved by many. Playing it well, however, requires practice and skill. Though genetics and fitness play a major role in basketball skills, it is fun for everybody. Read this article to learn more about the great sport of basketball.

TIP! Always keep your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball. If you have to look at the ball while dribbling, that means you need to practice more.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. Keep the ball by your side as you dribble instead of right in front your body. Do not look at the ground; look up at all times.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. 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.

If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This technique passes the ball back and forth from the right hand to the left hand. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. Once you have learned how to do a crossover, you can travel down the court quickly.

TIP! Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Consider the back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass.

You must have good balance to shoot well. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques. They are improvising. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.

TIP! Hand signals can help you to stay away from making bad passes. It can be frustrating passing to a teammate when you’re both heading to the basket.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Perfect what you can do well by practicing and developing the strengths you already have.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports.

Practice playing a man-to-man defense and zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage. If you haven’t practiced against it, you could end up losing your grip on the game quite quickly.

TIP! If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss.

A good tip about passing is try doing it without dribbling the ball. It is difficult playing without dribbling; however, it helps the team make better passes. Try not to lose yourself in frustration if you do not master it immediately, with the more time that passes with you and your team practicing, the more accurate they will become.

TIP! Speed is everything in basketball. Try to outplay your opponents by being fast to win the game.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Muscle strength can be great for basketball players, but it is actually possible to have excessive amounts for playing on the perimeter. Some shooting guards worked on their arms so much that they started lowering their percentage of field goals.

Core Muscles

TIP! When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. So, your left foot should be the one you take off from if you use your right hand to shoot.

Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. That means their hips, lower back and abs. The core connects the lower extremities to the upper extremities. Without a strong core, your performance may be limited. Building strong core muscles will allow your to jump higher, run faster and maintain your balance.

TIP! One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position.

If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. The key to this relies on having good footwork.

TIP! Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. Try to block the net by planting your foot hard.

Always know where your feet are and what they are doing. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. Holding the ball for too many steps and not dribbling will result in a walking call which will cause you to you will lose possession of the ball. A foul will be called if your feet move while you attempt to screen other players.

TIP! For your weaker hand, to build skills, use it off-court for as much as you can, from brushing teeth to opening jars. By improving your weaker hand’s dexterity, your control over the hand will significantly improve.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster. That means there is less time for the other side to grab it. When you are being guarded closely, pass the ball.

TIP! To become a better three-point shooter, make sure you attempt shots from where the NBA three-point line would be. The international line is much closer.

If possible, keep action beneath the knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball. You will need to bend somewhat for this to happen, but it’ll allow you to move quickly down the court as you ward off your opponents.

TIP! Make sure you don’t pick up your dribble unless you are prepared for a shot or pass. If you stop, you limit your options.

Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently. By doing this, the ball will be better protected and you will have better control of the ball.

TIP! If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy diet. In order to be ready for practice and games, it is vital that you have the proper energy stored in your body.

Use workouts to better your game. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game. Lift weights to build your power. Building your muscles and your confidence will help you game in many ways.

TIP! You need to be able to alter your opponents path. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical.

Show people your new skills! Utilizing the tips in this article can make you a better overall player. Get pumped and get out into the game! In no time at all, your skills we be noticeably stronger as a result of this advice.