No one is born to be a star player. Along the same lines, nobody ought to expect basketball greatness in the absence of know-how and practice. The following tips have helped pros become the players they are.

Free throw practice is vitally important. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard. Practice frequently using these techniques. Place the ball right in line with your face. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Shoot the basketball exactly as you saw in your mind.

TIP! It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense.

Having a good foundation is key when shooting the ball. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. They are improvising. Balance needs to be maintained to consistently make successful shots.

Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Ask others to help you identify your strengths and practice until you fully master these skills.

Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. Most of the basketball game will probably be played in this zone, but the other team might decide to surprise you and do some man-to-man coverage. If you have not practiced against this, you may lose your grip of the game for the remainder of it.

TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your talents might not make you a star, but when you make the most of your strengths, you might better contribute to your team.

If you want to take jump shots, don’t build your arms up too large. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. Some professional shooting guards made their arms so big that it started decreasing their field goal percentage.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. These skills all help with muscle memory so you know just what to do when you’re playing in a game. That is okay. There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Whether focusing on foul shots or how to pivot with the ball, you can look for ways to improve. You can always find things to work on.

In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. Although a strong presence in the key is important, beating your opponent to good spots on the floor is more important. After establishing good position, you need to make sure you hold it. Strong footwork skills help to build both types of skills.

TIP! Practice the skill of pass catching. When you practice, drill yourself to pay attention to errant throws and passes that are picture perfect.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. Know which players are left and right handed. Understanding your opponent allows you to effectively play defense. A defender that has knowledge will be a strong one.

Speed is a key attribute in the game of basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. In order to play fast, you must practice drills. Don’t try playing fast until you can. You will end up in a turnover if you play too fast.

Basketball is similar to fixing a car alone where you have an unmatched sense of pride. This is true for basketball as well as many other things in life. That will leave you winning games and impressing your teammates.