TIP! When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense.

Basketball has been loved by old and young players for years. Not all people are aware of the true fundamentals of the game. This article is intended to help folks of all skill levels appreciate basketball more and improve their game significantly.

Free Throw

TIP! Keep practicing your layups. This will make up about eighty percent of shots during any basketball game.

Learn how to hit a free throw shot. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear. Practice a lot with the following method. To start off, hold the ball in front of you. Then, look at the ball and visualize it going in the basket. Bend your knees to control the arc of the ball.

TIP! A bounce pass is essential to learn. The bounce pass needs to reach the player at waist level.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. One good rule of thumb is to bounce the ball around three quarters of the way to the other player. This all depends on many factors.

TIP! Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Go to games, watch them on TV and you can also watch videos.

One way to help improve your overall basketball skills is to spend some time watching what the pros do. You can follow the pros in online videos, on TV and you can also attend a basketball game if there is a pro team in your area. You will quickly notice all the different skills that they have which makes them a great player, then take what you learned and use it to help improve your own game.

TIP! Want to trick the other team? The back pass is perfect for this. Use the dominant hand whenever trying a behind the back pass.

Prior to basketball season, and even during it, you can play solo games. It is possible to enjoy this team sport even in the absence of your team. That is not a problem. You can accomplish a lot by practicing alone. You can practice free throws or pivot moves. You can always practice something.

TIP! Watch tapes of yourself playing basketball to get a more objective perspective. You should be able to see what you missed or can do better.

Never try to push through pain after an injury. This is a physically challenging game, so you may end up hurt much worse. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. If the injury feels too bad then seek medical attention right away.

TIP! Having a pre-free-throw shot routine will help you become dependable at free throws. This may mean you want to dribble three times, touch your forehead, bend at the knees, or do anything else.

As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. Your body will retain balance and move quicker when you have strong core muscles. Focus on your hip, abdomen, and back muscles. Your speed and footwork can be improved by jumping rope.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. Also, when you’re moving your feet when a screen is being set, you can take a charge or pick to try and get a foul.

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Get them outside their comfort zone.

Passing between the legs is great when you are being closely guarded. Step forward and back while dribbling the ball between your legs hard. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! Improve both forearms and hands to improve ball control. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

Practice with your weak hand when it comes to dribbling. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. Soon, you will be able dribble with your weaker hand as well as you can with your dominant hand.

TIP! Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

You should ensure that you can clearly see. Your eyesight will affect more than just making shots. Having excellent peripheral vision is vital to do well in this game. By seeing the court well, you can anticipate defensive moves as well as what all your teammates are doing. Good vision is vital to basketball success.

TIP! It can help your basketball skills when you strength train. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength.

To turn a normal 2-3 zone into a trapping machine, have your top two defenders (your guards) wait until the point guard has come about ten feet past the time line (midcourt). At this point, your guards must rush the point guard thus trapping him. Your forwards should sprint to cover the other players on the outside. This will likely cause the point guard to make a high, short pass, which your forwards will steal quite easily.

TIP! Where you are standing on the court can make a difference as to whether you get a rebound. Jumping with both feet creates a more balanced, powerful motion.

If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. Try becoming ambidextrous outside of the court, and you will soon find that you do not have a weaker hand when playing basketball. That can make your game better.

TIP! If you are assigned to defend someone bigger than you are, try staying in the passing lane between your man and the current ball handler. In this position you prevent them from receiving a pass and shooting it over your head.

To become a great player talk with your teammates and learn what they have planned. Basketball is considered a team sport. Offense and defense aren’t up to the individual. Players on the same team help each one another out. Communicate with them so that they know when you need assistance, so that you all collectively play better.

TIP! When you’ve got the ball, you must know when to take a shot, and then when you should pass it to another player who’s got a better shot. You don’t want to be the player that cost your team the game due to your selfishness.

Keep a rhythm while dribbling to throw your opponents off. Your opponent is looking for the best opportunity to steal the ball, and switching it up can break their concentration. Even a slight change in the sound the ball makes when you dribble can throw another player off balance.

TIP! Focus on the path of the basketball as it leaves a players hand. Watch whether it is an opponent or teammate.

No one can deny that basketball is loved by many cultures. One thing you have to do to play well is to know a few things about it. Keep what you’ve read here in mind at all times and you can do great things when you play basketball.