TIP! Many people only direct their attention to the offensive part of the game without realizing that defense is the key to winning. Basketball games are often won by great defensive play.

Basketball is adored by folks all over the world. However, many people don’t know all the ins and outs. This article is meant for everyone to further appreciate the game of basketball, and to get better.

TIP! It is important that you perfect dribbling the ball. When you dribble a basketball you have to use the fingertips instead of the hand’s palm.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Anyone who watching the ball while they dribble surely needs to spend more time in the gym practicing. Bring the basketball with you everywhere you go. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team.

Shooting has much to do with proper balance. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people. They are going with the flow when this occurs. You need the right balance to shoot; it is the only way to eventually make consistent baskets.

TIP! Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. Bounce passes need to be at waist level when received. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! Practice the skill of pass catching. When practicing make sure you drill yourself to catch errant throws as well as picture perfect passes.

Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax as you focus on making the shot, and soon you’ll be making more free throws.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. While physical presence under a basket is important, finding a decent spot before the opponent is even more so.

To learn how to pass well, drill without dribbling. This helps to develop passing skills with your teammates, making it much more difficult if you’re standing in one spot and not dribbling. Don’t get too frustrated if you’re having a hard time when you start because after a while passes are going to be more accurate.

TIP! To be a strong defender, you must have the ability to disrupt and interfere with the opponents’ plans. Make them uncomfortable.

If you are good at shooting the ball then the last thing you want to do is lift weights. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. You will notice that most basketball players have well-defined muscles that are not overdeveloped.

Strong Core

TIP! Dribble harder if you want to avoid the ball being stolen. This makes the ball come back to you faster so the people on defense aren’t able to steal it as easily.

One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. The core is the following areas: abdominal muscles, lower back muscles and hip muscles. The core links both the lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they will have limited athletic performance. A strong core helps you jump higher and run faster.

TIP! Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply.

The key to ball control is to spread your fingers out. That will ensure that it doesn’t get away from you as you hold it. You should avoid having your palm touching the ball. Fingers need to be the only thing that touches the ball when you shoot it or pass it.

TIP! Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. The charge lets you build a defensive stop and get control of the ball.

If you are shooting as well, pay attention to the position of your shoulders. If your shoulders aren’t properly positioned, your shot is not going to go in. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. The dominant shoulder must be perfectly aligned with the rim.

TIP! One good way to play good defense is to stay in the defensive stance at all times. Use your opposite foot to push with or slide your feet around.

Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. This can include the number of times you dribble, how you position your feet, or anything else. As long as it’s quick, using a consistent routine can help your body retain the memory to make those shots after your “ritual.”

TIP! In order to better your shooting skills, you must practice shooting hundreds of times each day from various position on the court. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. Jump off your left foot when you shoot using your right hand. Your body will be better balanced and moving in the direction of the basket. Your body will also be kept between the defender and yourself.

TIP! Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense.

You can use your guards and point guard to trap an opponent with a 2-3 zone defense. Then, they ought to trap the point guard. With the forwards blocking outside, you have a good shot at intercepting a bad pass. The point guard will then probably throw an easily interceptable pass.

TIP! Be sure your exercise off the court is going to help you on the court. For example, building up your stamina will help you play your hardest throughout the game.

Basketball brings pleasure to many different kinds of people. Knowledge is what it takes to have fun with basketball and play it to the best of your ability. This article can help you build your skills.