People just love basketball! You can see kids and adults playing at playgrounds, the gym or in their very own driveway. If you enjoy playing, imagine how much more fun it would be if you were a better player. These tips will help you become a better player.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best.

Practice your defense more than your offense. Defense is how you win a basketball game. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

Always dribble with your head up and looking forward. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. Wherever you go, take your ball with you. Dribble as you walk down the street. If you are staring at the ball, there is no way you can know what else is happening on the court.

TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. Playing without any dribbling is very hard, but builds your passing skills.

You should practice your crossovers a lot. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling. This must be done quickly to be successful. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.

If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Don’t pump too much iron if you plan on being a jump shooter. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Always watch for areas opening up where you can go for a quick basket.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? Make use of the back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand.

If you’re quick on the basketball court, you have a built in advantage. Speeding up the temp allows you to out-quick your opponent. Steady drilling will help speed up your play. Avoid playing faster than your abilities allow. If you try to rush your play, and can’t keep up, you will turn the ball over or make unforced mistakes.

Always have an awareness of the location and movement of your feet. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. Moving either of your feet when setting a pick, screen, or even take a charge will result in a foul.

TIP! If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury.

If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If another player is getting too close to you, it is best to pass the ball if a teammate is open.

Bettering your game can be done in many ways. You can improve your game by learning new techniques and practicing them often. It’s important to practice to become the best you can be at basketball. Regardless of whether or not you play on a team or a playground, these tips will make your game better.