TIP! One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. Your knees should be bent with your feet slightly wider than your shoulders.

No matter if you’re male or female, basketball can be played by anyone. Basketball is fun to play regardless of your skill level. Do you want to stun all your friends with your new skills? Maybe you are wondering, what moves? Read on to find some great tips that will help you get in the game.

TIP! Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Defense can make or break a basketball game. While offensive players sometimes seem like the stars of the show, it is the efforts of defensive players that allow them to shine.

TIP! Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Consider the back pass. Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball.

Dribble while your head is up and your eyes are forward. If you start staring at the ball while you dribble, you know you need to practice more. Make the basketball an extension of your body, taking it wherever you are. If you walk to the store, dribble the ball. If you’re looking at the basketball, you won’t be able to see what is coming at you.

TIP! Ask your fellow teammates if they have an opinion of your skills in the game. Are you skilled at something? Continue to develop the skills that play into your natural abilities.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. This is when the ball is moved from hand to hand. This should be something you do quickly. Crossovers can help you get out of a tight spot.

Free Throw

TIP! It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds.

Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. 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! Have someone record the games you play so that you can watch it to check out your form. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. Though basketball is surely a team sport, there may be times when you have nobody to play against. That should not matter. Solo games also help. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.

TIP! To gain greater dribbling skill, always practice with the weaker hand as well as the more dominant one. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent.

When avoiding errant passes, use hand signals. One things that’s frustrating in basketball is passing to a teammate while they try heading to the basket. Hand signals can be a great way to find out if a teammate will be able to receive your pass. If there is no signal, the player should not make the pass to them.

TIP! Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball.

What do your teammates admire about your skills? Is there something that you excel at? Perhaps you are great backup or fast on your feet. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! If you don’t want someone to steal the ball, dribble hard. When you dribble hard, the ball bounces back to your hand faster.

Keep your eye on the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. When your eyes are constantly assessing the game, you will be better able to make easy shots.

TIP! You should ensure that you can clearly see. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders.

When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jumping rope can also help you become lighter on your feet and quicker on the court.

TIP! Do not release your defensive stance. Use a shuffling side to side motion to ensure you are in position.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. If you do not have your shoulders positioned properly, you will not make the shot. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.

TIP! For your weaker hand, to build skills, use it off-court for as much as you can, from brushing teeth to opening jars. If your ability to use that hand starts to improve, the benefits to your basketball playing talents will be substantial.

For more consistency in making those free throws, stick with the same sequence of motions before you take each shot. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Having a consistent routine is ideal, and that helps train your body to know how to be in the proper position every time you shoot the free throw.

TIP! Don’t stop dribbling until you are ready to pass or shoot. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Being ambidextrous on the court makes it more difficult for defenders to figure out what you will do next. Hold the dominant hand behind the back and make certain you use just the weak hand. In no time, the weak hand will also be useful for dribbling.

TIP! If possible, keep action beneath the knees. The opposing team will have a harder time separating the ball from you.

In order to play defense successfully, you must be able to disrupt the game of your opponent. Force them out of their comfort zone. Always move aggressively as they try to maneuver around you. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Instead, disrupt their rhythm by making the first move.

TIP! Create teamwork both off and on the basketball court. Basketball games gain a new intensity when players can work as one effortlessly.

Since reading these tips, you should be confident in your basketball skills. Knowing skills and tricks that others are unaware of will give you an edge. Never forget that the game should always be fun. Of course, winning is a great deal of fun!