TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Defense is what stands between you and a win.

Basketball is a classic sport which is loved by all. However, many people don’t know what involves really mastering the game. These tips can help anybody improve their basketball skills, no matter what their age.

TIP! You need to learn the correct way to dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble.

Concentrate on your strong points if you want to improve your game. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player. You can also focus on your weaknesses if you know what they are.

TIP! Free throws are as mental as physical. Your body can be trained to make free throws, but your mind has to be focused on success if you want to make the basket.

A good tip is to practice your layups on a daily basis. A huge percentage of successful shots are layups. When you are practicing, run full speed at the goal and make the shot. This type of technique will translate well into actual game situations.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. Can you get better at something? Perhaps you have an excellent understanding of defensive strategies or you are the fastest player on your team.

Perfect your bounce pass. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist. Aim for a firm bounce pass that hits the ground around 3/4 of the distance between you and the intended player. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes.

Quick and solid footwork is what it takes to make the shot when your posting up. You do, of course, need to be near the basket, but finding the right spot without getting blocked is essential. Once you have a location, it is important that your feet are firmly planted there. Strong footwork is key.

TIP! Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This keeps it under control.

Make it your goal to never turn away from the ball on the court. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers. Keep an eye open for easy shots.

TIP! If you need some help seeing where you need work, try to get a friend or relative to record your games. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? It is important that your assessment is an honest one, but isn’t overly critical.

Work on core strength when you work out. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. The most important muscle groups include your back, stomach, and pelvic region. Jumping rope is great for improving your footwork and also helping you to gain speed.

TIP! In order to become a better free throw shooter you need to have a good practice routine. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

It’s great to be quick in basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. To increase your quickness, you must practice playing fast while running drills. Just don’t play any faster than you’re able to. If you play basketball past your own speed ability, then you can lose control of you game with bad passes and needless turnovers.

TIP! Your forearms and hands should be strengthened if you wish to handle the ball better. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

Make sure you know what is going on with your feet. You will be called out of bounds if even one toe is touching the baseline as you hold the ball. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. A foul will be called if your feet move while you attempt to screen other players.

TIP! Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team.

When playing a game of basketball, have a friend tape the game. This way, you can take a look at your game. Are you able to see missed opportunities or ways in which you could have improved? Be honest with yourself, but avoid being too critical. 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! Stay in your defensive stance while defending your basket against opponents. Shifting your weight back and forth between your feet will help you to stay in position.

Making a pass from between your legs is sometimes a good option when the opposing team is right on top of you. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back. If this move is something you master, you’ll have an advantage when you go out to play a game.

TIP! Keep your knees bent while dribbling. When you stand straight up, you’ll find that the ball is harder to control and the ball will be a lot easier for an opponent to steal.

A consistent routine will help you to achieve great free throws. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. You will probably miss your shot if the routine you use is not perfect.

TIP! To get better at three-point shots, work on shooting from the NBA three-point line. High school lines, international standard lines, and college lines are much closer.

Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Wrist curls are great for working wrist muscles and improving your dribbling. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can stay stationary, catch all the ball, and shoot them from that same location. Learning how to pass the ball ensures that you can get the ball safely to a teammate who has better position on the court.

TIP! Dribble rhythmically until you are ready to throw your opponent’s guarding capabilities into disarray. You can surprise the opponent by changing up your dribbling.

To trap the opposing players in a 2-3 zone, have the defending guards hold back till the opposing point guard has moved beyond the midcourt line by about ten feet. They can then run toward the point guard to trap him. While this is going on your forwards can be sprinting to the players located on the wings. You will see the opposing point guard make a bad pass that anyone on your team can steal.

TIP! Many shots from the court corner end up sailing right over the basket. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.

In order to be a more effective player, one thing you have to do is talk to teammates about strategies. The sport of basketball is truly a team game. This means that everyone on the team must work together to achieve a common goal. Everyone helps everyone else. Communicate with your team and you will have more success.

TIP! Where you are standing on the court can make a difference as to whether you get a rebound. Jump with both feet for improved power and balance and retrieve the ball with both hands.

Basketball appeals to all types of different people. The secret to both enjoying a good game and playing a good game is personal knowledge. Refer to the information presented here to enhance your game in an ongoing manner.