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Basketball season tends to be an exciting time of year for fans.Keeping fans happy relies on giving them cheering.These tips will help you become a team that wins.

While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Defense is what wins basketball games. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! Learn how to hit a free throw shot. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Many people forget that defense is the key to winning. Basketball games are often won more often by defense than offense.Offense is flashier, but when you lack good defense, any basketball team is destined to lose.

Always dribble with your head up when dribbling instead of focusing on the ball.You should never be looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling. Take the basketball around off-court wherever you go. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the dog.If you are looking at the ball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Take a deep breathe, relax and block out all outside distractions before taking the shot.

TIP! You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Watch as many games on TV as you can.

Focus on your strengths to get better ball player.You might not have star ability, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games. Know your strengths and practice them until there is no one better than you.

Make sure that you practice your layups whenever possible.Layups account for up being 4 out of the shots in basketball. When you practice, be sure to run at the goal with full speed, then shoot while jumping in the air. This technique helps improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. The last step is to flick your wrist in the direction you want the ball to move. It can be a dangerous maneuver that catches the other team off guard.

Free throws require both mental and physical skill. Stay focused and vigilant to improve your free throw percentage.

Watch the pros play if you want to improve your game.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Are you great at any one thing? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles.

Would you like to fool your opponent? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other players.Use the dominant hand to hold onto the back pass.This is a very useful trick your opponents.

Good footwork remains a shot when you are posting up. You always want to beat the open spot. Once you have gotten into position, you need to know how to defend it. Both of those skills rely on some solid footwork.

To rebound a free throw, you have to be quick. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers. This will help you better grip on the ball. Don’t let your palms touch the ball either.

To become a great free thrower, make sure to keep a consistent pre-shot routine. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, should be the same each time. As long as it’s quick, it becomes easier for your mind and body to prepare for the shot.

Do not release your defensive stance. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position. Keep your feet from crossing to make it hard for your opponent to get by you.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your sleep. You can’t just stand in one place and shoot. You must move the basketball to make things happen.

Good footwork can really help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. The more quickly you get under the basket, so be sure you’re thinking of how to get past that defender. This allows you to secure the rebound without having to commit a foul.

You should practice your dribbling while switching your balance from right to left. You will dribble during different situations. You’ll have people guarding you on all sides. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.

TIP! Try to contain the action to the area below your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball.

Clearly, many things exist that can help bolster your game. The more you practice, the more team spirit you will gather. All of the people involved contribute to the fun of the game. Your job is to make sure that you’re team is getting the best that you have to offer. Keep all of these tips in your game to help you develop the skill to make you a valued team member.