Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

It is hard to overstate the love that so many millions of people have for the sport of basketball. The best way to really enjoy basketball, either as a player or as an enthusiastic spectator, is to understand it completely. This article will give you all the information you seek.

It's natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. Defense can make or break a basketball game. Offense receives all the glory, but it is nothing without the best defense.

Frequent pass catching practice is important. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. In the middle of a heated game, not all attempted passes will go exactly where you want them to go. You and your team mates will be happier if you (and they) are more versatile.

If you're going to be a jump shooter, don't lift too many weights. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. There have been instances where great shooters bulk up so much that it adversely affects their shooting percentage.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try using a back pass! To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. Then, bring the ball back behind you. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should make it easy to trick the other team.

If your child is training to be a high school basketball player, make sure that they train their core muscles properly. Show them how to exercise their hips, lower back and abs. The core links together all of the extremities and if it isn't strong, they will be dealing with a limited athletic ability. A core that's solid and strong will allow you to use force that comes from your legs so you can jump higher and run faster.

Never try to push through pain after an injury. It is possible to receive an injury when playing basketball because it is a sport that is physically challenging. If you continue playing, you could make the injury even worse. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

If you're looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you'll want to know your opponent. Make sure that you've watched tapes that show the other player. You can also check out scouting reports. One simple thing to know before the game is if your opponent shoots with their right or left hand. When you know some of the other player's moves, you'll have a leg up during a game as you'll be able to predict what he is going to do. Smart defenders are good defenders.

During your workouts, concentrate on improving your footwork as well as your core strength. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Your hip, buttocks, back and abdomen muscles need to be worked on. Jump rope can be used to speed up your feet.

Speed is one of the best virtues when playing basketball. Make an effort to do all things on the court more speedily than the opposing team. Steady drilling is the key to playing fast. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. When you play too fast, you can lose control and that means turnovers.

Basketball is so fast-paced, it can be difficult to take your eyes off the action for even a second. That said, knowing the game is key to really enjoying it. Use the skills and practice habits you read about here to take your game to the next level. You can be a real "baller."