It cannot be said enough that so many people get joy from basketball. But, most people don’t have the knowledge it takes to excel at this sport. Continue reading for some terrific insights about basketball that everyone can use.

Make it a point to concentrate on both your defensive and offensive skills. Focusing only on offense does not make you a well-rounded player. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! Crossovers are very important if you’re a ball handler. In a crossover, you transfer the basketball from hand to hand.

If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Even though your best abilities might not make you stand out each game, it is sure to help you contribute to the overall success of the team. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

Practice your layup shot often. Layup shots make up nearly 80% of a game’s shots. The best practice strategy is to go full tilt toward the hoop, then do a smooth jump shot. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. How about the behind the back pass? If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Next get the ball pulled up behind the back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. Doing this will trick your opponent.

TIP! Balance is essential to shooting. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling.

To become a great free thrower, practice and develop a routine you will use during each shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.

Free Throws

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

TIP! Know your strengths and they’ll help you become a better player. While you may have a particular skill that isn’t going to make you stand out as the star player, honing it can help you become an integral part of your team’s success.

If you wish to dribble the ball better, you have to start using your hand that’s considered the weak one. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands. Force yourself to not use your stronger hand. You will improve dribbling with your weak hand soon enough.

Always attempt to remain low when you are playing defense. This stance will keep you ready for whatever comes your way. Always stay in the proper stance on defense. The only time you should be out of your stance is when you are jumping to block an opponent shooting.

Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. If you can train yourself to be ambidextrous, you will gain complete control of that hand. This will show in your next match.

TIP! Constantly practice layups. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups.

Keep your knees bent while dribbling. The farther the ball has to bounce, the less control you will have of it. Your ball control will improve dramatically by simply bending a little at the knees.

Never stop your dribble unless you are going to shoot or pass the ball. When you stop dribbling, then you limit your options. Your only option, besides shooting or passing, is to use your back foot to pivot. You leave the ball vulnerable to possible steal attempts and yourself open to being double teamed.

While you dribble, alternate your momentum from your left to right side. Games require you to be able to dribble under all types of conditions. You might be working with a court that’s open, but you may get swarmed by quite a few people. You have to figure out how you can dribble while you’re working with your body leaning. This will help you in bad situations.

TIP! Hitting free throws is a mental challenge as well as a physical one. You may know how to make a free throw but if your focus is off, then you will miss.

Make sure that you are exercising properly for basketball. Running sprints helps you get faster for individual plays, and long-distance running is better for improving your game stamina. In addition, lifting weights will improve your strength, and hopefully, your shot. You will be able to shoot well with this confidence and aggression.

Basketball Shape

It is important to eat well if you want to be in tip-top basketball shape. When you play regularly, you need plenty of carbs for more energy, along with protein and fats. One way to keep your body in basketball shape is to incorporated grains and proteins into your diet. Avoid sugar and salt when possible.

TIP! Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. Most of the game is played in zone, but your opponent may try to switch things up to do man-to-man coverage.

Basketball is a source of joy both as a personal physical activity or fan spectacle. But, if you really want to make the most of the game, then it helps to know something about the game. It is our sincere hope that the information presented here has given you some insights that will enhance your enjoyment of the game.