Basketball is fun and a great competitive sport. Becoming a good basketball player takes practice and dedication. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. Attend as many professional games as you can, watch the pros on TV, or watch video of professionals.

You may have better luck honing your passing skills if you forgo dribbling during practice. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes. Don’t let it frustrate you, just be patient.

TIP! Work on catching passes frequently. When you’re practicing, you should drill in being able to catch random throws in addition to passes that are perfect.

Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! Would you like to fool the opposing team? You should try a back pass. Hold the ball in your strong hand to start the pass.

Do you want to fool the other team? Try doing a back pass! You want to grip the basketball with your strongest hand. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back. Lastly, flick your wrist in the direction that you want the ball to land. This should trick the opposing team.

TIP! Play by yourself to practice. Basketball is usually a team sport, but just because you can’t find others, doesn’t mean you have to just stop thinking about it.

Understanding the opponent is key in beating a tough defense. Monitor scouting news and watch footage of other teams in action. Find out who are the right-handed or left-handed players. When you know more about the opposing team, you will play a better defense. Understanding the intricacies of the game will make you a better player.

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.

Video tape your games, and then review your technique later. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Stay honest when you’re assessing yourself, but don’t over criticize yourself either. Sometimes you have to face reality about your skills and just not dream about how you want to be.

TIP! Avoid errant passes by the use of hand signals. Players can get easily frustrated if they make a pass to players that aren’t available to catch the ball.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard. To help develop your weaker hand, avoid using your dominant hand. This will train your weaker hand to dribble and control the ball well.

TIP! When posting up, solid footwork is essential to getting yourself into position to shoot. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot.

To rebound off your fellow player’s free throws, use sly feet. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. This will allow you to score a rebound without getting penalized for a foul.

TIP! Watch your shoulders if you obtain a shooting slump. If your shoulders aren’t correct, you may not be able to make the shots.

Trip up the offense by constantly changing your pace. When running toward the hoop, plant your leading foot and start to straighten up. The guard is going to think you’re starting to slow and will straighten up too. When they do this, run ahead and push yourself forward.

TIP! If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. Bounce the ball very hard through your legs while stepping to the front or the back.

Use your weak hand for brushing your hair, doing up your belt and opening bottles so you can build up its strength. You’ll find it becomes more controllable. This is bound to carry over to the court.

TIP! Try practicing looking in the opposite direction when you pass. It can be very confusing to your opponents.

Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. In the middle of a game, lots of dribbling situations will arise. You might have a truly open court, but you might also be dealing with an onslaught of opposition. It helps to master control of your body as you dribble in a variety of positions. This will help you maneuver around trouble.

TIP! You need to mess with your opponent’s head. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours.

When you have the best knowledge under your belt while you are playing basketball, you will enjoy the game more. Take your time and go over other articles as well as videos so that you can keep learning more. Take advantage of every piece of advice you can and practice as much as possible.