TIP! It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play.

Basketball is a game that is perfect for everyone. Regardless of background, few people can resist the allure of basketball. Invite your friends over and dazzle them with your newly learned skills. What moves do you want to learn? Continue reading this article to learn new things that you can try.

TIP! Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This seems like an easy shot, but it is quite hard.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They are professionals, and they are able to improvise successfully. Keep your balance so you can consistently win points.

TIP! Don’t dribble during your drills. It is tough to play when not dribbling, but your accuracy is sure to inprove.

Keep practicing your layups. Four out of every five shots taken in a given game will be layups. During practice you want to get up enough speed to quickly get to the rim then easily lay the ball towards the hoop. If you can do this right, you can master this shot.

TIP! Unseen passes can be avoided when proper hand signals are used by teammates. Basketball passes can be really frustrating when shot wrong.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. It is best when the ball hits the receiving player near the waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. It does depend on a variety of other factors, however.

TIP! Never have your back to the ball so that you’re ready for anything in a basketball game. This will make you more aware of the court and you won’t be surprised when turnover potentials come up or quick passes.

Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly. In the heat of the game, not every pass is going to hit the bulls-eye. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! You need to be quick to be good at basketball. If you can play quicker than the opposing team can, then you will be at an advantage.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. That is not a problem. Solo games can help you immensely. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. There are always things that can be done.

TIP! When doing a layup, start running using the weaker of your two feet. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off.

Footwork is what gets you ready for a shot. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. Solid footwork can make both of these things happen.

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders.

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. Jump rope like the boxers do to increase your footwork speed.

TIP! The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Get them outside their comfort zone.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. Be sure shoulders always remain squared towards your hoop. Your dominant shoulder should also be lined up perfectly with the rim.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. One important exercise is wrist curls, which help you with your dribbling.

If you want improve your free throws, you have to develop a routine. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If you don’t do the routine right, then the shot won’t make it.

TIP! Prevent the opposing team from stealing the ball by dribbling hard. A good hard dribble brings the ball back to you much faster, leaving less time for the opponent to steal it from you.

Never break your defensive stance when playing ball. You need to learn how to slide your feet instead of crossing one foot in front of the other. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

Strength Training

TIP! Changing pace can help you keep the offense guessing. When running in the direction of the net, straighten up while planting the front foot.

Strength training can be a major help in basketball. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball. Small kids who play stand to reap real benefits from strengthening their legs and arms. When they become teenagers, they will be able to step up to weight work to become even stronger. Adult players must use strength training to prevent loss of mobility, speed, and power.

TIP! As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. They should then trap the point guard.

Bend the knees when you dribble a basketball. If you are standing straight, you will have a harder time controlling the ball and your opponent will be able to steal it more easily. Just a slight bend in your knees can have a huge impact on ball control.

TIP! To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot.

Shoot hundreds of shots every day from every position on the court to improve your shooting skills. For even better results, practice the run-up to your shot in addition to the actual shot. When you are in the air, take a gander at the target. Don’t do it prior to this point. Your accuracy will get better and you’ll have a better idea of what real game conditions will be like.

TIP! Continuously dribble the ball until you have an opening to pass it to one of your teammates, or you are prepared to shoot. After dribbling is stopped, your choices are very limited.

You don’t have to worry about your basketball skills any longer. You may even have a few tricks up your sleeve. Drill as much as you can but remember that playing basketball should be fun. Winning will be fun, too, of course!