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.

For a long time, people of all ages have enjoyed basketball. Be that as it may, not all fans and players really understand the game completely. This article will help to fine tune your basketball skills.

TIP! To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. 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.

To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Learn what your strengths are, then practice to perfection!

TIP! Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss.

Are you interested in being able to fool the other team? Give the back pass a try! Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. Now hold the ball behind you. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

TIP! Practice using different types of defenses. You can count on quite a bit of the game being played in zone; however, you should not be surprised if it becomes one-on-one coverage just for the sake of confusion.

Play basketball against yourself even during the off-season. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. That should not matter. Playing on your own can give you the chance to work on isolated areas of your game. Work on free throws or practice pivot moves. You can always hone your skills when practicing alone.

TIP! A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

To be a good post-up player in the pain, you need to have really good footwork. While actually being beneath the basket is key, establishing a good position prior to the opposition is even more so. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. The key to mastering these skills is good footwork.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. This will easily confuse your opponents.

If you aren’t shooting the ball well, you need to concentrate on your shoulders. Whenever your shoulders aren’t in a good position, you simply will not shoot well, regardless of your skill level. Keep your shoulders squared with the basket at all times. Also, allow your dominant shoulder to line up with the rim.

TIP! Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you.

Have someone taper your games and then watch it to see how you look on the court. On tape, you can see all the opportunities you passed and how things could have gone better. Be honest in your assessment but not overly critical. Sometimes it’s beneficial to look at yourself the way you really look and not just like you think you look.

TIP! Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” You will need it for more than checking the scoreboard or passing and shooting.

If you wish to do free throw shots reliably, always do the exact same thing before making each shot. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.

TIP! When the opportunity arises you always want to take a charge. This allows you to get the ball back for your team, setting up a foul.

Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents. If you can do this correctly, you’ll be able to free up time for the person that you’ve passed to. This can be a great play if it is done correctly.

TIP! The first step when dribbling is to bend at your knees instead of standing straight-legged. Standing straight up lessens your ability to control the ball and increases the chances that it will be stolen.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Diet is essential when it comes to playing ball. You need to eat carbs, fats and protein on game days.

A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Force opposing players into an unfamiliar or unexpected position. When making a move, be aggressive. Never let them control the game plays. By doing so, the opponent will take advantage of you. Try making the initial move and interrupt their rhythm.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. If that happens, you can guess the place where it will go and manage to get the rebound.

No one can deny that basketball is loved by many cultures. You need knowledge to both enjoy and play the game. Use the information in this article to see how much better basketball can be.