What’s important for you to learn about the sport of basketball? What sorts of skills must you learn to enhance both your performance and your enjoyment of the game? This piece gives you basketball information, so continue to read to learn what basketball can give to you.

Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Use fingertips to dribble. Using your fingertips will allow you to have better control when dribbling the ball. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your eyes up.

TIP! It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. If you are just getting started, bring your ball with you everywhere. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. You will not be able to see what’s happening before you on the court while beholding the ball.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands. It has to be done fast to be effective. When done correctly, a good crossover dribble assists you in being efficient and helping you change direction when you need to.

Practice your layup shot often. Up to eighty percent of the baskets attempted in a game are layups. Dribble the ball in front of you while taking large strides followed by a smooth shot. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

TIP! Look forward and hold your head up while you dribble the ball. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice.

There is a lot of pressure when shooting free throws. You can practice for hours on how to make the shot, but if you over think things or get distracted you will miss every time. Relax and focus on the net, and you’ll be able to make more.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs. A core that is not strong enough limits the linkage between arms and legs. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

Ask your fellow team members which of your skills that they admire. What are your your best skill areas? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

TIP! A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups.

Work on core strength when you work out. You will stay balanced if your core is strong. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage. Playing fast requires steady drilling. However, don’t try and push past your limits. If you play too quickly, you lose control over the ball and the match.

Always be sure of where you’re placing your feet so you’re aware of what they’re doing. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds. More than three steps will cause you to get called for travelling. In addition, a foul can be called against you if you move either foot while setting a screen, a pick or taking a charge.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person.

Practice looking the other way when passing. You are able to confuse opponents with this technique. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. It’s a powerful play when done right.

In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off. Your body will develop good coordination and you keep your defender at a distance.

Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. Practice and repetition are the only way to become a consistent free thrower. Failing to stick with your routine can adversely affect your shooting accuracy.

TIP! Never practice only against the zone. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard.

If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. You will be able to get past your opponent more easily if you can use either hand to dribble the ball. Tie your strong hand to the rear of your back to ensure you only use your weaker hand. Soon, you will be able dribble with your weaker hand as well as you can with your dominant hand.

A great drill to try is to see how many dribbles it takes for you to make it across the court. The ideal number of dribbles is five. This may seem to be too difficult at first, but once you’re able to do it you’ll have a lot of speed and stride length. You will have easy layups on fast breaks and you will be able to advance your team easily.

Make sure that you can see clearly. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. Having excellent peripheral vision is vital to do well in this game. When you can see the big picture, you can react to anything.

TIP! If you want to take jump shots, don’t spend time pumping iron. Perimeter players don’t need the muscle strength that is necessary for other team members.

To trap someone in a 2-3 zone, get your guards to wait for the point guard to get about 10 feet past midcourt. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him. Simultaneously, make sure you own forwards are free to sprint to the opposing players who are out on the wings. Point guards need to throw up passes that your team’s forwards can steal easily.

Can you answer your questions now? Are you prepared to get out there and show off some new skills? Are you able to handle the fact that you’re going to do the best at basketball that you’ve ever done because of this article? Practice what you’ve learned, and you will soon see the results.