Basketball is a game which is enjoyed by many people in many countries. All players have skill that they use to assist their team in winning. If you’d like to figure out what you can do to get better at basketball, keep reading this article.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense is what stands between you and a win. Offense gets more attention, but the team is going to lose without a strong defense.

TIP! Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. A good bounce pass should hit the player on the receiving end at waist level.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Whether seeing an all-pro on YouTube, attending a game in person, or sitting on the couch with buddies to watch your local professional team, there are many chances to observe the best. You are sure to notice the key skills each player has mastered, and from there you can start practicing.

You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. While much of the game is played in zone, the opponent can flip to man-to-man coverage, changing everything and surprising you. You may lose control of the game if you aren’t prepared.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. Training your body is important, but you also have to be mentally ready for the shot.

Play by yourself to practice. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. No problem. You’ll still be able to get a lot done when playing solo. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. You can always do something.

If you are posting up, strategic footwork is important to becoming open and making a good shot. While physical positioning is important, it is even more essential to move quicker than an opponent. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This keeps it under control. Keep your palm off the ball too. You should try your best to only hold onto the ball with your fingertips when passing and shooting.

TIP! Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. When you find a player who has the skills that you want, then watch them and emulate.

Work on passing in a direction you are not looking. This will confuse your opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. When completed correctly, it creates an awesome play.

To maximize your layups, take off with the foot that opposes your shooting hand. This will allow you to shoot with your comfortable hand. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.

Free Throw

TIP! A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It’s tough to play basketball minus the dribbling, and it causes you to pass accurately.

Build a routine to improve your free throw game. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. You will probably miss your shot if the routine you use is not perfect.

To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Get them outside their comfort zone. Use aggression with your moves. Do not let them choose the plays to make. The more aggressively smart team is usually the one who wins. Rather, move first; attack their rhythm.

You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling. You can’t just stand and shoot for the whole game. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Give the back pass a try! To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back.

All basketball players try to become an expert in a particular skill so they can become a better player. The tips included above should have given you ideas on how to become better at your chosen sport. Review the article again when needed, but keep practicing to improve.