TIP! Improve your passing abilities by challenging yourself to perform drills without actually dribbling. It’s hard to play without dribbling, however, it can help you and your team create more accurate passes.

Men, women, and children across the globe are enamored of basketball. It’s a simple enough game for someone of any age to pick up. When you step on a basketball court, practice teamwork and be a good sport regardless of the score. If you would like to get educated on basketball then read on for great tips.

TIP! When it is not basketball season, keep in practice by shooting baskets and practicing your skills. Basketball is a multiple player sport, but other people won’t always be around.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring. Even though everyone loves to watch offense, defense is what wins you most games.

TIP! Never turn away from the ball, so that you can always stay ready for anything. This provides court awareness and prevents you from unexpected turnovers or quick passes.

One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Everyone has seen professional basketball players make a shot from 20 feet away as they are falling. Those who do this are improvising. Good balance while shooting will lead to landing more baskets.

TIP! The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it.

There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. Try doing a back pass! If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. This will trick your opponents.

Strong Core

TIP! Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. This is a great way to fake out your opponents.

If you have a kid that wants to play basketball in high school, ensure they’re training core muscles in the right way. Hips, abdomen and back must be worked on. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. Building strong core muscles will allow your to jump higher, run faster and maintain your balance.

TIP! If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control.

Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. Often in basketball, a player makes a pass at the exact same time the receiving player heads to another part of the court. All of this confusion can be remedied through the use of hand signals when a player is opened. Without a signal, the ball controller shouldn’t make a pass.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Sly feet will help you get the rebound of your team mates free throw. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

Ask teammates what they admire about your playing skills? Do they feel you are really good at something? Maybe you are quick like lightening or maybe you are a strong defender. Improve the skills where you tend to be a bit weaker while maintaining your stronger skills.

TIP! Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily.

Proper handling of the ball requires that your fingers be spread apart. This gives you better control of the ball. Avoid putting your palm on the ball, too. The only things that should touch the ball are your fingers, as you shoot or pass.

TIP! Do drills where you try and get the basketball up a full-court in five dribbles or less. It isn’t impossible, it just takes practice.

If your shooting is suffering, take a close look at your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Keep your shoulders square in line with the basket. The dominant shoulder needs to be aligned correctly with the rim.

TIP! If you want to put pressure on the offense, you need to change the pace of things. As you are heading towards the net, straighten up and plant down your foot.

Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. You could dribble twice, touch your forehead, bend your knees, or some other kinds of movements. Just make your routine quick, so that it can be consistent, and your body is going to remember just how to nail free throws following your ritual.

TIP! Have two of your guards wait for the point guard to go past midcourt for the best results. At that point, both guards should move in for the trap.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. This throws your opponents off. You give your teammate a better chance to make the shot because the opposing player is moving the wrong direction when you pass the ball. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

Free Throws

TIP! Try practicing your dribbling while switching the momentum of your body from side to side. You will dribble during different situations.

Develop and use a consistent routine for shooting free throws. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. Practice and repetition are the only way to become a consistent free thrower. If you alter your routine then chances are the shot will not be good.

TIP! You should always have your free hand between you and your opponent when dribbling the ball. However, you’re not actually going to push with this hand; instead, you’re going to separate yourself using this hand.

Why is basketball so darn popular? It’s because it is fun and simple to play. If you love the game of basketball, then the ideas and advice within this article should prove useful to you. Enjoy playing while also bettering your game by using this advice as you practice and compete.