Basketball is loved by many. Nonetheless, it is no simple matter to become a basketball star. Basketball is fun for anyone who chooses to play it. Read on to find out more.

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. If your team doesn’t have a good defense, you’re not going to make it far in a game.

TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. This may seem like an easy task, but in reality, things prove otherwise.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. This will give you better control of the basketball. Also, dribble off to the side instead of in front. The ball should bounce no higher than your waist. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.

Pay attention to what you are good at. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Realize your limitations, and roll with your talents.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Though muscle strength is great to have with any sport, it is very possible to be too buff for serious game play. Some professionals develop their muscles so much that they are actually having a hard time with shooting.

TIP! It is vital that you learn to crossover the basketball while dribbling. Crossovers involve moving the ball from hand to hand.

If you post up, you need to use good footwork to get open and make sure you get a good shot. Securing a good location is critical when playing basketball. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. These skills require solid footwork.

Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Much like boxers do, you have the ability to bolster your footwork and agility by using a jump rope.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. This is a great technique in order to help confuse the opponents. If you do it right, this draws your opponents’ focus the wrong way. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

TIP! Proper balance is essential when shooting. Falling when you make a shot is not the right way to shoot.

In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. The simplest way to get better at shooting free throws is through constant repetitive motions when shooting the ball. A break in your routine will foul the shot.

If you wish to get a free throw rebound from a teammate, you have to stay on your toes properly. Defenders will start to move at you, so you need to get around them to grab the ball. By doing this, you can increase your chance to get the rebound despite starting in a disadvantageous position.

Dribble hard to avoid ball stealing. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster. That means there is less time for the other side to grab it. When you are being guarded closely, pass the ball.

TIP! Successful free throws require you to be mentally and physically strong. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss.

You need to take a charge anytime you can. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team. This can be devastating to the other team.

Don’t just practice while static; try to move around while shifting your weight to learn how to best control the ball. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice. You need to feel as comfortable with defense closing in on you, as you do in the open court. You have to figure out how you can dribble while you’re working with your body leaning. This allows you to get yourself out of a tough spot.

Be certain to practice moves off the court that will truly help you on the court. Running sprints can make you faster on individual plays, while long-distance running helps you make it through a game with good stamina. Build up your core muscles and the strength in your forearms. The aggression and confidence you get from this can also assist you more than most things if you’re shooting.

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws.

Try different shots from different places on the basketball court. You need to practice your grip and balance. You can shoot when you’re not balanced, but it isn’t very accurate. You can perfect your basketball grip by using the ball valve. Using your dominant hand, grip the ball with wide-spread fingers. Be sure that the center portion of your hand is covering the air valve located at the basketball’s center.

If you’re training to become a very good basketball player then start changing your diet. When you play on a regular basis, you have to load up on carbs to get energy, and you also need proteins and fat. You should try to include more wheat bread, chicken, nuts and peanut butter into your diet. Sugar can give you an energy spike but it fades rather quickly, so try to stay away from sugary foods.

Do you want to show off your new skills? You might, but you need to practice before you can do that. Use these tips to take your game to a whole new level. Soon, you are going to notice the improvement in your skills thanks to utilizing the advice that has been told to you.