Playing Basketball: How To Improve Your Game

The happiness that basketball brings to so many is really quite amazing. Of course you will never stop learning better ways to become a better player. Keep reading to find out great ways to bring your game skills to a whole new level.

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. Offense may be splashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.

TIP! Constantly practice layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Lack of practice will manifest itself in looking down towards the ball when dribbling. Bring the ball no matter where you go. Practice in your home and wherever you walk. If you look your ball, you can’t see the court.

Any good basketball player needs to know how to make a layup. 80% of all shots in a game are usually layups. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. Drill the jumping technique regularly so you can do layups very smoothly and always stay in control of where the ball is going.

TIP! Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. It is important that you see how other people play the game. You’ll be able to learn from the moves they make.

You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. It is a challenge not to dribble while playing, but it will ensure the accuracy of your team’s passes. Don’t get upset if it seems hard, this will improve your team’s passes over time.

TIP! One good way to learn good passing is drill often without dribbling. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Are you really good at any one thing? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. Learn what other’s see as your natural skills and make sure to keep and develop those skills more fully.

If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This can help you to remain in control of the ball at all times. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Only your fingers should touch it during a pass or when dribbling.

TIP! Don’t bulk up if you want to be good as a jump shooter. Strong muscles are certainly useful for basketball, but you can overdo it if you plan to play on the perimeter.

Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Watch tapes and be sure you’re paying attention to scouting reports. For example, you might look to see which players favor their left side and which have dominant right hands. Knowing your opponent well helps you be much more effective. Smart defenders are good defenders.

As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Concentrate your efforts on the back, abdomen, buttocks and hips. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Your child should work on their core muscles if they want to become a basketball player in high school. This will involve their lower back, hips, and abs.

Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. When you do this right, looking this way will make the opponents go to the wrong place so that when you pass the other person has a better chance at making a shot. Practicing this pass can really help to give your team the winning edge.

Basketball offers benefits to both players and spectators. To make sure you are getting all you can out of the game, become informed. This article is a great resource for accomplishing that.