Basketball is a simple game that is played throughout the world. Each player has a different set of skills. When you want to better those skills, read on.

TIP! It’s easy to focus on offense when learning to play, but your practice time would be better spent on defense. Basketball games are won because of good defense.

Shooting has much to do with proper balance. We have all seen the professional basketball player falling out of bounds and making a basket from 30 feet away, but this is not proper technique. They are going with the flow when this occurs. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups. When practicing this technique, run toward the goal and shoot. That technique of running and jumping helps you get ready for an actual game.

TIP! Practice your free throw shot. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do.

Try playing basketball games alone before and during the season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. That is okay. In solo games, you can accomplish quite a bit. Work on free throws and pivot moves. There’s always some work to do.

If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. This allows your body to be in balance and be more explosive on the court. Focus on the back, buttocks, and hip muscle groups. Jump rope like the boxers do to increase your footwork speed.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping even over a baseline when you’re in possession of the ball will have you called out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. While a good chunk of the game will most likely be played in zone, your opponent might flip the switch to man-to-man coverage just to change things up and surprise you.

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 body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

Free Throw

TIP! You can play basketball solo before and during the season. While it’s a team sport, you may not be able to find others that will play.

Create a routine to improve your free throw success. If you don’t have one, your accuracy may suffer. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. You are likely to miss your shot if you’re not settled into your routine.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. An exercise to help develop your basketball skills is to perform wrist curls. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. Good dribbling skills will help you always stay in movement.

TIP! If you have a kid wanting to play basketball in high school, be certain that they are properly training their core muscles. This includes their abs, lower back, and hips.

Hard dribbling helps avoid stolen balls. The ball will get back to the hand faster, giving the other team less of an opportunity to grab it away. If you are being closely guarded, then halt your dribbling and quickly pass the ball to a teammate who is open.

In basketball, strength is important, so do strength training. Strength and stamina are both needed to excel at basketball. Even youngsters can strengthen their arms and legs to improve game play. As they start to get older, get them some weights to help them exercise harder. Strength training is essential once you reach the adult years.

TIP! Keep your eye on the ball. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

When you are defending, keep your stance low. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. If you must break your stance to block someone’s shot, return to formation as quickly as you can.

To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). They can then run toward the point guard to trap him. Simultaneously, forwards should block sprint toward wing players. The point guard will toss a pass that can easily be stolen by your forwards.

TIP! In order to be your best on defense, take the time to completely understand the player you are guarding. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports.

If you wish to do better a shooting three pointers, you should do it from where NBA players shoot from. High school lines, international standard lines, and college lines are much closer. When you can shoot from the NBA range, you’ll be able to shoot from farther away than the defense expects.

Most basketball players seek to enhance their techniques so they play a better game. After reading the advice here, you should know what needs to be done to improve your game. Read the article again if you have to, but never stop practicing these tips in order to get better.