TIP! It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

Whether shooting hoops like the pros or cheering from bleachers, you should have basketball knowledge to be able to fully enjoy the game. Understand how points are earned. Don’t despair. Basketball is a great game, and it is not hard to learn the rules. Read on for some basketball tips that will have you calling all the shots and making the slam-dunks for your team.

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. You’ll want to use your fingertips to dribble instead of using your palm.

Learn the mechanics of a free throw. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy. Use good technique when shooting foul shots. Begin by bringing the ball up to eye level. Have your eyes on your goal and picture your ball going into it. Shoot the ball how you imagine it going in.

TIP! When you dribble, look forward, keeping your head up. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough.

Keep your head up when you dribble. By focusing your sight on the ball, you cannot be fully aware of your surroundings. Take the ball with you wherever you go. Dribble as you walk to the market. Get used to looking up as you go so that you can focus your attention on the court and not on your hands and the ball.

TIP! Shooting has much to do with proper balance. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques.

Always work on your layups. Almost 80% of shots will be layups. Practice running while dribbling, jumping and shooting as smoothly as you can. Practicing the running and jumping method will help you shoot better this way in a game.

TIP! Lay off the weights if you are trying to become a jump shooter. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play.

Observing what the professionals do can be a great way to improve your game. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You’ll notice that each player has a skill that they are great at. Choose a move that you like and start practicing it.

TIP! If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. Muscle strength is great for any position in basketball, you can have too much when it comes to perimeter play. Certain pro guards ended up increasing their arm size so much that their shooting started to suffer.

TIP! Don’t play when you are injured! This sport is physically demanding and you can become injured. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury.

How would you like to trick the opposing team? Try doing what is known as a back pass. You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. The next step is to draw the ball behind you. After determining which direction you want the ball to go, use a quick flick of your wrist to send it that way. You can use this action to deceive your opponents.

TIP! Seek advice from your teammates about how you play the game. They will probably notice the things you do best.

To hold the ball right, spread your fingers out. That makes sure that you don’t lose the ball when you hold it. However, remember to keep your palm away from the ball. Don’t let anything but your fingers touch the ball during passing or shooting.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. You have to be aware of what is going on with the ball at all times.

When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. No matter your skill level, you won’t make shots if your shoulders aren’t in the proper position. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.

TIP! Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

Always be aware of where you have your feet and what you are going to do with them next. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. You could also be the reason for a turnover if you get called for walking when you take more steps than allowed without dribbling. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

Effective Player

TIP! To become a better free throw shooter, use the same routine prior to every shot. Whatever you do, from bending your knees to dribbling three times, do every time.

You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Tie your dominant hand behind your back and force yourself only to use your weak hand. Very soon, you will develop dribbling skills with the hand you considered weak.

TIP! Using a weaker hand helps improve overall dribbling skills. If you use both your hands to dribble, it is easier to control.

Build up your forearms to become a better ball handler. Consider wrist curls and and exercise machine that focuses on strengthening each finger individually. One thing that is important to remember is that it is difficult to be static and be a scorer. You have to start moving the basketball around to get things to happen.

TIP! You need to constantly disrupt your opponents in order to be a great defensive player. Getting them to do things they aren’t accustomed to doing is ideal.

You want to keep your vision completely clear at all times. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply. You have to build your peripheral vision. Watching the whole court allows you to foresee future attacks from the opponent.

TIP! Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you.

Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt. They should then trap the point guard. Simultaneously, make sure you own forwards are free to sprint to the opposing players who are out on the wings. The point guard will make a pass that forwards can steal.

TIP! In order to ensure that you are always ready to defend, keep your stance at all times. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot.

It’s not that hard. Since you have now expanded your basketball knowledge, you will be well aware of the joy that can be gained from the game. Take what you have learned here to get better at the sport and develop a more comprehensive understanding of it.