What is there to learn about basketball? What do you need to get down to be the best player that you can be? These tips will help you become better in no time the next time you’re on the court.

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 because of good defense.

If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You can contribute to the team by consolidating your best skills, even if these skills do not make you one of the star players. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.

When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Trying to play through the pain could just cause more damage. If you have a very serious injury, talk to a doctor.

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game.

Ask your teammates what they like about the way you play. Can they tell you what you’re really good at? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Find out how your game appears to others and develop your skills accordingly.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Your fingers should be all that is holding the ball when you pass it or shoot it.

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Similar to boxers, jump rope to help increase speed and better your footwork.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

Free Throw

TIP! Never play through an injury on the court. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball.

Create a routine to improve your free throw success. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. The most effective method to achieve a great free throw is by practicing it repeatedly until you get it right. You’ll miss if you don’t have a good routine down.

As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. Once your opponent is trapped, he will have no option but to make a pass. Concurrently, have forwards go to the wings. The point guard throws a pass that can be easily stolen by your forwards.

TIP! When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else.

You should always bend your knees while dribbling. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it. Bending your knees slightly will enable you to control the ball more efficiently.

You should keep the ball below the knees if you’re able to. The other team’s players will have a difficult time stealing the basketball from you. This takes some stooping and bending, but just move quickly down the court as you thwart the opposition.

TIP! If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. This will make it very hard for your defender to get it.

A good way to improve your game is by finding out from your teammates what they plan to do. A good basketball team consists of players who understand that this is not an individual sport. Offense and defense aren’t up to the individual. Instead, all players help and support one another. Discuss your strengths and weaknesses with teammates so you know where you need improvement.

Build your team up at all times. When a basketball team is totally in sync, the game is taken to a higher level. If you know everyone on your team inside and out and you can trust each other completely, your game will improve exponentially.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

One way to force turnovers is to make your opponent change course. It is irrelevant whether you are playing defense or offense; in both cases, your ability to control the direction of your opponent is critical. Doing so lets you control your path, not them.

If you notice that a player is weaker with one hand, put them in a situation where they will have to use that hand. If they’re right handed, step into them using your left foot; this will force them to switch sides. Keep your center of gravity low at all times so that your chance to steal the ball remains high at all times.

TIP! Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. The ball returns more quickly to your hand when you do this, giving the opponents fewer opportunities to steal it from you.

Has this article answered your questions? Do you feel confident to take control on the court? With hard work and persistence, you can develop your skills to be a good overall player on the court. Apply the advice from this article the next time you are on the court and watch how your game improves!