People just love basketball! No matter if you prefer to watch games on television, play in a pick-up game on weekends or shoot baskets in the driveway, you likely know that basketball isn’t going anywhere. Those who play would prefer to become better players and win games. Below are several useful ideas for bettering your game and scoring some real victories.

It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Defense is what wins basketball games. Without good defense, a basketball team will lose the match.

TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Passing quickly without dribbling is a great way to practice. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Even though this is not an easy drill, you will be rewarded for your efforts during game time.

Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. One of the more frustrating aspects of basketball is making a pass to a teammate at the same time they head to the basket. Avoid this using hand signals to see if they can get the pass. If the player does not flash the signal, then the player can avoid an errant pass.

Footwork is the best way to find an opening shot. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you get into your position, you need to secure it. These will both require powerful footwork.

TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This kind of shot seems easy, but it really is not.

When working out, focus on building your core strength and perfecting your footwork. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Jump rope like a boxer to improve your fancy footwork.

It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. What this practically means is that if your right hand is your shooting hand, you need to take off with your left foot. This gives you better balance, while keeping you poised toward the basket.

TIP! Knowing how to perform a crossover is a must when you handle the basketball frequently. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands.

In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Be assertive and focused within the rules, aggressively keeping your player off balance. Do not let them call the shots. If don’t play aggressively, you opponent will run you down. Instead, make the first move and interrupt their rhythm.

You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If an opposing player is guarding you to the point where you can’t dribble well, it’s time to pass to an open teammate.

An excellent way to have proper defensive posture is to remain in the correct stance. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.

TIP! To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. 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.

To trap with a 2-3 zone, have your guards cover the point guard once he gets a few feet past midcourt. This is when they should trap him. Your forwards should sprint to cover the other players on the outside. Point guards need to throw up passes that your team’s forwards can steal easily.

You can improve a weak hand by using it in daily life. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. Keeping your opponents on their toes is an important part of basketball.

If you are a basketball player you should be eating a healthy 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. Great ideas to bring into your diet are wheat breads, peanut butter, chicken and nuts. Try to reduce your salt and sugar intake, though.

TIP! Better your basketball skills by watching the pros play. Watch some games on TV, view videos of professional games, and go to some games.

When shooting the ball you have to be sure not to get nervous. Stay focused on the net. Learn to always focus your gaze on the back edge of the rim as you shoot the ball. If you are trying a lay-up, focus on the specific backboard region you use for teh bank.

If you have to guard a taller or bigger player, concentrate on remaining between that person and the player with the ball. This prevents them from becoming open for passes and makes sure that they do not get the ball, which they would be have the ability to shoot over you.

Always focus on where the ball is going after it leaves your teammates hands or the opposing players hands. Rebounds are terribly important to the game. After all, you need to be able to get possession of the ball to shoot it for a score.

TIP! Completing passes to your teammates is just as important as dribbling the ball. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes.

There are a lot of ways to make your game better. Many of them are as simple as learning a technique and then practicing repeatedly. Practice is essential when it comes to just about anything, so you must be sure to have constant access to a hoop. Practice alone, with friends or with your team, just so you can better your game.