TIP! When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense.

Basketball is an exciting sport. But, if you want to play your best on the court, you need to be aware of certain things. This article has some tips you can use to get better at the game.

TIP! Find out how to make free throw shots. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. You have seen how pros shoot a basket from thirty feet away and fall out of bounds, which is not the right technique. They are not doing it right. By learning how to stay properly balanced, you can improve your game.

TIP! If you want to excel, you have to play to your strengths. Your best skills may not be center-stage every game, but knowing how to play the best angles can help you give more to your team.

Perfect your layup technique. Eighty percent of the shots taken in a game are layups. Run full tilt to the basket, then smoothly jump and shoot. This method will teach you to improve your jumps and shots throughout the game.

Perfect Passes

TIP! Shake things up rather than focusing solely on a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. When the pressure is on, not every pass will come straight to you. So do your teammates a favor by learning how to consistently haul in their less than perfect passes.

TIP! Never play through an injury when playing basketball. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured.

Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass. 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 land. This is a good way to trick your opponents.

TIP! To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it.

When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so. Once you’re in position, you also need to secure your spot. Good solid footwork will help you develop the skills you need for success.

TIP! A good basketball player is really quick on his feet. If you want the advantage, you need to be quicker than your opponents.

Never play through an injury on the court. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. You may injure yourself more if you continue to play with an injury. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! You should always be aware of the position of your feet and their actions. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court.

Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Do you do something really good? You might be quick, or you might always be around to support them. Learn what the other people around you see while you are playing and it may open your eyes to new areas for practice.

TIP! To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. Use your feet to slip around the opposing player below you, then get into position for a rebound off the rim.

Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Review videotapes and monitor scouting reports. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. 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. The strongest defenders are those who have information.

TIP! It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. In order to play well, you will need to work on both your strength and stamina.

If your opponent is pressing hard, you can give yourself some room to work by dribbling the ball between your legs. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. Remember that you must dribble in a variety of situations during a basketball game.

Clearly, basketball has the potential to be incredibly enjoyable. To play better, you need what you have learned here. Use what you’ve learned here to become the basketball player you want to be.