Are you ready to learn some new techniques? You play because you adore the sport. But there’s always room for improvement, and everyone knows that. So, perhaps you can learn something from this article. Continue reading so that you can find some new ways to play this great game.

If you wish to do better with basketball, you have to focus on what you’re good at. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Understand your strengths and use it to your advantage to help your team win!

TIP! Practice your defense more than your offense. Defense is essential to winning these games.

Practice layups often. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. Run as fast as possible, while jumping and performing a smooth shot. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

Do not only practice zone defense plays. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. If you have not practiced enough on this scenario, you could run afoul of the scoreboard very fast.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. While reviewing the tape, look for opportunities you may have missed during the game. Don’t be too critical, but do be honest. Sometimes, it helps a lot to see yourself as you really are and not as just you imagine yourself to be.

TIP! If you get possession of the ball a lot, you must learn the crossover technique. Crossover dribble is switching hands while you’re dribbling.

When you want consistently good free throws, repeat your routine. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. This consistency will get your body in tune to do the same thing every time, increasing your chance to make shot after shot.

Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs. Mastering this move can give you an advantage on the court.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! Balance is vital to good shooting. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard.

To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball. Now you can achieve a proper rebound and not commit a foul.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you. When closely guarding another player, cease dribbling and pass it to another play on your team that’s open.

You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass. You want your peripheral vision to be as good as it can. This will help you to find open teammates and keep an eye out for the defensive players.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

Don’t leave your defensive stance. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Don’t allow your feet to cross, and this will make you a hard defender to beat.

Strength Training

Developing your muscle strength and flexibility will make you a better basketball player. Being physically tough is as important as having the stamina to keep up with the game. Even younger kids will benefit from strength training. As players mature, weight training can begin. The adult years are where strength training is crucial to maintain solid performance on the court.

TIP! Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. You must train both your body and your mind.

Take any opportunity to strengthen your weaker hand and build your skill by using it to brush your teeth or open jars. Being more dexterous means you will have better control. That can make your game better.

Nba Range

Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. High school lines, International standard lines, and college lines are closer. If you can hit from NBA range, you can get open looks at a deeper range than a defense is probably going to mind you (until you start hitting).

TIP! When playing basketball, it is important to always keep your eye on the ball. This helps keep you aware of the action, and it takes away the surprise factor.

You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. You don’t need to be shoving the opponents, but you’re able to keep them away by using the arm that isn’t dribbling as a separator. Try to keep your arm around the same height as the apex of your dribble.

Now, after reading this article, you should be better prepared when playing your next game. When you learn something new, you can see how they will work. Keep in mind that this advice is here to help you up your game. Basketball is fun to play and it’s a great sport to be a part of.