Basketball is a fast-paced sport that is exciting to watch and challenging to play well. But, if you want to play your best on the court, you need to be aware of certain things. This article has some tips you can use to get better at the game.

It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! If you have the ball a lot, learn to execute a crossover. A crossover means moving the ball between your hands.

To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best. Understand where you excel, and work on those talents until they are perfected.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to actual games or watch on TV. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

Perfect Passes

TIP! Practice layups often. You should expect layups to represent about 80% of all the shots you take in a game.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. During the course of a game, you can expect there to be many errant passes. So you should do the team a favor by knowing how to take in any kind of a pass that comes from someone.

Where are your feet? If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. Taking a lot of steps when you’re not dribbling means you’re traveling and that’s a turnover call. You may get a foul call if you move your foot while you are attempting to take a charge, pick a charge or set a screen.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. Are you able to look at your skills in a different light? Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. A realistic view of yourself can be quite helpful.

TIP! To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes.

If the other team has a good defense, passing the ball between your legs is a good option. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

Basketball is an amazing sport to enjoy. This article has shown you that you also need to know a few things about the sport if you wish to play it well. Use the tips here in order to be the best ball player possible.