Basketball is an exciting, fast-paced sport that keeps fans on their feet. The truth is, however, that lots of people still have much to learn when it comes to extracting all of the possible benefits from the sport. Keep reading if you’d like to get some insight as to what you should do to get better at basketball.

TIP! Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. While offense seems to get the praise, defense must be stellar in order to win.

When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Take the basketball to all the places that you go. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

If you handle the ball often, you need to learn how to do a crossover. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. It has to be done fast to be effective. If you do it right, a crossover dribble will assist you in changing directions and getting down the court in an efficient manner.

You should often work on your layups. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. Jump to the net and concentrate on shooting the ball in a specific location on the backboard.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team.

Successful free throwing requires as much mental skill as it does physical skill. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. They should train their lower back, hips, and abs.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. After grabbing the position, you need to hold the area. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. Know which players are left and right handed. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. Strong defenders are knowledgeable defenders.

Free Throw

Build a routine to improve your free throw game. A consistent routine enables the shooter to have a perfect motion every time. To better perfect free throw techniques, try using repetition via practicing one routine repeatedly. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt.

To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Focus on getting them out of the comfort zone. Stay aggressive. This will keep them from being able to choose which plays they will make. You should never let an opponent control what you do on the court. To avoid this, stay aggressive and try to interrupt their thought patterns and rhythm.

Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around. Keep in mind that your feet shouldn’t cross and this should make you good at defense.

TIP! Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports.

Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. As hes does, plow forward and run by him.

Always bend the knees while dribbling. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal. To help out your ball control, try bending the knees.

TIP! Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. If the core muscles are in good shape, you will feel lighter on your feet.

You should keep the ball below the knees if you’re able to. Your opponents will find it tougher to steal the ball from you. You will have to bend a little to make this happen, but it will keep you moving down the court quickly, especially since you are thwarting everyone trying to get to you.

Basketball is a source of joy both as a personal physical activity or fan spectacle. To make sure that you’re getting the most out of the game, you should know all that you can about the sport. The tips located above will help you become the best player you can be.