TIP! It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Defense is how you win a basketball game.

Both fans and players may seem somewhat obsessed during basketball season. One way to satisfy your fans is to keep them cheering. Every team member has unique skills; find out what yours are and emphasize them to their maximum. The information that follows can help you out when it comes to basketball.

TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Avoid using your palm while dribbling.

You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Use the fingertips, not the palm, for the best dribbling. Dribbling this way improves your ball control dramatically. Dribble off to the side waist high. Instead of focusing on the ground, gaze upward.

TIP! Practice shooting free throws. This is something that seems simple, but in reality it can be hard.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical, like other parts of the game. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will. Relax, take your time and be focused.

TIP! Always work on your layups. Layups sometimes wind up being 4 out of every 5 shots in basketball.

Would you like to pull one over on the other team? Back passes are a great way to confuse other players. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand. Then you will want to pull the ball into position behind your back. Then do a wrist flick in the same direction that you want the ball to end up. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

TIP! Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. Even though basketball is usually played with teams, it is sometimes the case that there just isn’t anyone around to play with. That should not matter. Solo games can help you immensely. Practice free throws and work on pivot moves. Many things can be practiced.

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? The back pass is perfect for this. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand.

One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. This will give you court awareness and keep you from being surprised by quick passes or turnover potentials. Always be on the lookout for open areas where you can seize easy scoring opportunities.

TIP! Make use of hand signals so that wild passes can be avoided. Oftentimes frustration occurs when trying you aren’t on the same page with a teammate who cuts to the basketball when you try to pass him the ball.

If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. Your dominant shoulder must be lined up with the rim.

Free Throws

TIP! See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. Are you really good at any one thing? Perhaps you have good dribbling skills or maybe your footwork is enviable.

Build a consistent routine for your free throws. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. This will help you develop a routine. If that routine goes off, it will cause you to miss your shot.

TIP! Where are your feet? If you step on the baseline, you will be out of bounds. Taking excessive steps while not dribbling results in a call of walking as well as a turnover.

You must disrupt your opponent’s game when you’re playing defense. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. When making a move, be aggressive. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If you do, your opponent will run all over you. Instead, you move first and throw them off their game.

TIP! Practice looking in the opposite direction when you make a pass. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length. This is a vital skill to give you points on fast break opportunities.

TIP! If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you aren’t consistent, you won’t make the basket.

Changing your pace is key to keeping the offense on their toes. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot. This will cause the guard to believe you are slowing, and it will also cause them to straighten up. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Take them out of their own comfort zone.

Always bend the knees while dribbling. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you. You only need to bend your knees slightly to improve your control of the basketball.

TIP! Workout to increase flexibility and strength in your hands and forearms. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking.

You have to practice hard every day if you desire to step up your outside shooting game. To get even better, try to practice dribbling and quickly shooting. Avoid looking at your target until you are in the air. You can improve your accuracy to help you when the game is live.

TIP! To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. You need to seek out a way to quickly slide around your opponent and be able to quickly react to the ball.

You can use a variety of methods to become a better basketball player. A player that’s good at what they do will have more fans in the stands that are cheering them on. From the players to the spectators, everyone has a part in a game. Bringing forth your best game is your contribution to the fun of basketball. Use these tips to improve your skills and become a valuable teammate.