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. Victory requires the ability to play defense.

People of all ages and social strata the world over love basketball. Basketball is easy for people of all ages to enjoy. Playing basketball enhances teamwork skills and teaches good sportsmanship. If you would like to get educated on basketball then read on for great tips.

TIP! It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. You’ve seen the pros fall out of bounds when trying to shoot 30 feet from the basket; this is a bad move.

Work on improving your strengths to become an even better player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. Know your strengths and practice them until you have perfected them.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your skills may not turn you into the star player, but knowing how to make the most of your skills will make you a more valuable player.

Bounce passes are extremely efficient when done properly. If done correctly, a well-executed bounce pass will reach the player in a way that allows them to move immediately with the ball. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! Free throws have a huge mental element to them. You can train your body to complete the motions of making a free throw, but if you are mentally prepared to fail, you will.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. Many guards in the pros have developed their arm muscles too big, which has really harmed their shooting percentage.

TIP! Be sure to watch professional games to learn some great tips and tricks to improve your game. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand. 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! Practice catching passes as often as you can. While you are practicing, you should be sure to drill yourself on catching errant throws, as well as catching those perfect passes.

In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you find a spot, you need to know how to defend it. These skills require solid footwork.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Try the back pass. To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand.

Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. Knowledge can make you a strong defender.

TIP! If posting up is what you’re doing, you have to have good footwork to get open for a shot. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

Build your core strength and work on your footwork. Your body is going to be more balanced and be able to move faster when you have strong core muscles. Work the muscles in your abdomen, back, buttocks and hips. Jump rope like the boxers do to increase your footwork speed.

TIP! It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball.

Basketball players must be fast. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. Steady drilling will help speed up your play. Don’t play too fast and risk your chances. By playing beyond your speed capabilities, you will quickly lose control of the ball, which will lead to bad passes, bad shots, and turnovers.

TIP! In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. If you have two hands that can dribble the ball effortlessly then it becomes easier to get by your opponent.

You want to always be aware of foot placement and what you’re doing. This can help you avoid going out of bounds or making a bad pass. More than three steps will cause you to get called for travelling. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. This is not just to make reading the scoreboard easier, but also to facilitate the making of shots and catching of passes.

Ask a friend to record your games so that you can see how yourself in action. Do you see how you could’ve handled a situation differently? Honestly and openly assess your own performance. This gives you an unfettered view of how you actually performed on the court, rather than relying solely on your memory of the game.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position.

To help perfect your free throw abilities you should perform a consistent routine. This can be any combination of movements that makes you feel comfortable and prepare for the shot. However, they need to be the same combination of movements each time. By developing a quick ritual, you can help train your body to make free throws.

TIP! If you want to put pressure on the offense, you need to change the pace of things. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up.

What makes basketball so popular? It’s probably due to the fact that it’s fun and easy to learn. If you love to play basketball, these tips will help you improve your game. Have fun playing, and improve your own gameplay by applying these tips.