It’s time for you to learn more about basketball. As a devotee of basketball, your goal is to become the best. Yet you do not know all there is to know about being a good basketball player. Perhaps this piece has something to offer you. Read on for some useful ways you can improve your basketball game.

TIP! It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Defense is what wins basketball games.

It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play. Even though everyone loves to watch offense, defense is what wins you most games.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. Doing so will allow you a greater degree of ball control. Dribble off to the side waist high. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. This should be something you do quickly. If done correctly, a good crossover helps you get past your opponent and to the rim.

Perfect your bounce pass. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist. Bounce the ball so that it lands near your teammate. There are other variables to consider though.

TIP! Practice your layup shot as frequently as possible. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes. Understand that during a game, you will receive very scattered passes. Some will be good; some won’t. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. Don’t let your palm touch the ball either. When passing and shooting the ball toward its target, the sole contact point should be fingers.

Core Muscles

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster. Work the abdomen, buttocks, hip, and back muscles. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.

TIP! Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage.

It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. Not dribbling when you take more than a few steps will result in a walking call as well as a forfeit of the ball. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.

TIP! How would you like to trick the opposing team? How about the behind the back pass? To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand. Then, move the basketball around your rear.

If you see a chance to gain control of the ball, take it. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball. This can have a major impact on the other team psychologically, and it can be a powerful play as well.

Stop Dribbling

TIP! Play solo basketball in the months leading up to the season, as well as during the season itself. Sometimes you cannot find a team of people to play basketball with.

Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. You have few options remaining to you after you stop dribbling. Your only option, besides shooting or passing, is to use your back foot to pivot. This will leave you open for double teaming from opponents and you may lose control of the ball.

Create a barrier between the ball and your opponent with the hand you are not using for dribbling. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball. Just keep it raised a little while you dribble with your dribbling hand.

TIP! If you have a child who has expressed interest in becoming a basketball player in high school, make sure he trains his core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

Communicating with your teammates is a vital part of being a good basketball player. You are sure to understand that it takes teamwork to play basketball. It is not a one-on-one game. Everyone helps everyone else. Be vocal on the court to form better communication with your teammates for play.

Keep dribbling in a particular rhythm until you think it’s time to trick the opponent. Consistent dribbling disrupted by a sudden, fast pace will surprise your opponent, giving you the advantage. Not only the speed change, but the sound change is what confuses them most.

TIP! Have other players give you information about what they think are your strengths and weaknesses. Are you really good at any one thing? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender.

Position yourself between the ball carrier and your opponent if they are bigger than you. In this way, you will prevent the larger player from being able to receive a pass. Then they will not be able to get the ball and shoot it over your head.

These tips will help you take your game to the next level. Learning to do something new and excelling at it is one of the best feelings you can have. Use the information above to help you develop your basketball skills. Basketball is a terrific and enjoyably sport.