TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball.

The game of hoops was created by Dr. Basketball was invented in 1891. These days, basketball is a wildly popular sport to watch and play. From Dr. J or Magic Johnson, basketball has turned players into celebrities. If you would like to read more about what made them successful, continue to the article below.

TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. As easy as these shots may seem, they are rather hard.

In order to be a great shooter, good balance is key. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard. They are merely making up the play on the spot. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! You want to be prepared for any type of defense the other team plays. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too.

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. During any game, layups make up about 75 percent of the game. Don’t just walk through a layup drill. It is key to go at game tempo to practice the timing needed to maintain accuracy. Running and jumping well in practice means better jump shooting in actual games.

Bounce Pass

TIP! If there’s no one around to play with, it is okay to play a basketball game by yourself. Sometimes during off season, or when practicing, you can’t play as a team or find even a single opponent.

Every great player understands how to properly perform a bounce pass. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. Of course, there are factors that should be taken into consideration when passing using the bouncing technique.

TIP! Building core muscle is key to playing great basketball. Core muscles include the hips, abs, and lower back.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. You will see that each great player has certain skills that make him great and you can practice what you see him doing.

TIP! Hand signals can help stop you from turning the ball over. It can be frustrating making a pass when a player moves away towards the basket.

Would you like to learn how to fool your opponent? Back passes can give your team the opportunity to score while the other team is still wondering what happened. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass. Keep control of the ball while it is behind your back. Next, snap your wrist in the direction you want the ball to be moved to. This is a good way to trick your opponents.

TIP! If you’re posting up, good footwork is the key to getting open and getting a good shot. You need to have physical presence beneath the net, but you also have to choose the right spot to be in.

Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. One thing that can frustrate you when playing basketball is to try and pass while a player is trying to run to the basket. Players should use hand signals often when available for a pass. Without a signal, players shouldn’t attempt to pass.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised.

If you’re injured in a basketball game, don’t attempt to play while in pain. Basketball is hard to play well even when you are healthy, so don’t push it. Continuing to play when you are in pain can make an injury worse. See a doctor if the injury is serious enough.

TIP! If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. Pay attention to how they play.

Learn how to dribble and pass between your legs in case you are being guarded very tightly. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. When you’ve mastered this step, you will be at a great advantage.

TIP! You need to be quick to play good basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent.

Use deception by looking elsewhere when you make passes. This will confuse your opponents. If you’re doing it correctly you can fake your opponent out so he/she moves towards that direction and then you pass the ball to a wide open teammate for a shot. When done smoothly it can be a game changer.

TIP! If you want to better your dribble, start practicing with your weaker hand. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance.

In order to play a game of regulation basketball, you need a court that almost measures a football field, a hoop ten feet in height and ten players. A thorough understanding is critical in order to play with skill. Using this article as a starting point, keep practicing and learning and you’ll soon be a master of the game.