TIP! Pay attention to what you are good at. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

Basketball is a remarkable sport because it allows you to achieve great things with only a few simple skills. Basic techniques can be learned in a couple minutes. You can always learn more and this article will help you start learning.

TIP! One good way to learn good passing is drill often without dribbling. It is hard to play a game when you don’t dribble, but it will help you to be sure that everyone is passing accurately.

Tricking the other team is a good way to win a game. Try the back pass. To accomplish this, grab the ball with the dominant hand. Pull it behind you. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should be helpful in tricking them team.

TIP! Your fingers should always be spread out when handling the ball. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. You can quickly turn a strain into a debilitating medical issue if you do not take a break from the action. If an injury is serious, go to see a physician.

TIP! One of the best ways to play a strong defensive game is to know your opponent. Watch tapes and stay up on scouting reports.

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. A strong core allows you to be more balanced during games. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. Just like boxers, you can improve your footwork and speed by jumping rope.

TIP! Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop.

If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. Keep your shoulders square to the hoop. Line up your shooting shoulder with the rim as well.

TIP! Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. It could be that you dribble several times, bend at the knees, brush your hair out of your eyes or do something else.

Launch your layup jumps from the foot that is opposite the hand you shoot with. Thus, if you tend to shoot with the right hand, make sure to jump off with the left. That way, the body stays balanced while it moves toward the hoop.

TIP! Give your layouts the most by launching from the foot that opposes the hand you are shooting with. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot.

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. Good playing is not only instinctive, it takes hard work and discipline. You need to be able to move the basketball to make things happen.

TIP! A consistent pre-shot routine when at the line will increase your chance at success. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent.

Don’t leave your defensive stance. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot. Don’t allow your feet to cross and opposing players will have difficulty getting around you.

TIP! To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

When playing defense, always try to stay low. This helps your reaction time against your opponent. Keep yourself in proper defensive stance at all times. If you break form in an attempt to shot block, return to the proper form as soon as you can.

TIP! A key play on defense is to draw a charge. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball.

Try practicing three pointers from the NBA range in order to be a more effective three point shooter. The line in every other league is closer. If you can make a basket from there, you will open up the defense because they will have to play you closely.

TIP! Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot.

To see improvement in outside shooting skills, you must practice your shots hundreds of times daily from various points on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot. Don’t look at the target until you are in the air. That helps you boost your accuracy.

TIP! If you want to boost your weaker hand skills, use it whenever you can, be it opening jars or just brushing your teeth. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball.

Keep dribbling until you’re ready to either pass or shoot. After dribbling is stopped, your choices are very limited. If you choose against passing or shooting, you are stuck pivoting in place. Putting yourself in this position makes you more vulnerable to having the ball stolen by the opposing team.

TIP! One way to increase your three-point skill is to practice at the NBA range. The International standard line, as well as college and high school lines are all closer.

Maybe you just began learning about playing basketball before you read this. Maybe you have played since you were a little kid. Whatever the case, all the information here is going to make you a better player. Put these tips into action and you are sure to become a more effective player.