People love to play and compete in the popular game of basketball, which has attracted many since its inception decades ago. When you want to master this game, practice is key. Reading this entire article can help you obtain the basketball knowledge that you need, so keep reading.

It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead.

Make sure to dribble properly. When dribbling the basketball, use your fingertips rather than the palm of your hand. You retain much more ball control this way. Be sure to dribble beside your body instead of in front of yourself. Bounce the ball at a level even with your waist. Keep your eyes up.

Constantly practice layups. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. It’s critical to practice running towards the basket at full speed and following up with a good jump and smooth shot. Like everything, practicing at game speed will only improve your skill and have you ready to play at the fastest pace.

It is important to practice catching the ball from others as much as passing. Don’t just work on waist-level, perfect passes, though, work on receiving tougher passes as well. During a real game, many of the passes that come your way will be off-target and tougher to handle. Help your teammates by learning what you need to haul in those imperfect passes.

TIP! When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

In order to handle the ball correctly, spread your fingers out. You are more likely to hold onto the ball this way. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

Consistent free throws require a consistent technique. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. In order to make your free throw perfect, you’ll need to practice the shot many times and get into a routine. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. 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.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can stay stationary, catch all the ball, and shoot them from that same location. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

Defensive Position

Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. You will always be in a defensive position if you slide your feet one way and then the other and push off using your opposing foot. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.

TIP! To keep passes under control, make use of hand signals. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball.

Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. Your defender is going to assume that you’re slowing your speed and will start straightening up, too. Push forward and blast by them.

Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. An even better way to improve your accuracy is to practice shooting after pulling up from a dribble. Do not focus on the target until you are already in the air. This can help you simulate the conditions of the game and also helps you improve accuracy.

Your off-court practice should mimic your on-court playing. Sprint running can help improve on-court speed, while distance running is sure to boost your stamina. In addition, lifting weights will improve your strength, and hopefully, your shot. Your shooting abilities are greatly enhanced by a more self-assured, aggressive mindset.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. Although it’s important to have a physical presence underneath the basket, it’s more important that you get in a good place before your opponent can.

The goal to improving a game is building conversation with your teammates. Basketball is considered a team sport. This means that offense and defense doesn’t mean one on one. You have to help everyone out. Communicate with them so that they know when you need assistance, so that you all collectively play better.

If basketball is something you wish to pursue seriously, your diet should reflect that. You use a lot of fuel playing basketball so a lot of carbs is needed, as well as adequate protein and fats. Great ideas to bring into your diet are wheat breads, peanut butter, chicken and nuts. Avoid using excessive sugar and salt.

Where you are ahead of and post-rebound will determine your success. For better power and balance, jump using both feet and take the basketball with both of your hands. When you land, ensure your feet are beyond shoulder width apart and hold the ball near your chest.

TIP! One good way to always be ready for whatever happens on the court is to never turn your back on the ball. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

When dribbling, practice building up a strong bounce. You can get the ball to move a lot quicker by bouncing it hard, which means other players will have a hard time stealing it from you. Dribbling hard is your best option.

With the right tips used when playing, the game will become more fun and simpler. Continue your quest to learn more by reading blogs and articles that will help you further your skills. Keep this advice in mind and keep working hard.