TIP! You must become knowledgeable about hitting a free-throw shot. This looks easy, but it is actually very hard to do.

Many people have a love for basketball and have for some time. However, many people don’t know what involves really mastering the game. This article was put together to help anyone who wants to play basketball to appreciate it so they can do better at it.

TIP! Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. Your team will benefit more if you stop trying to be the star of the game and work your best.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense may score points but defense keeps the other team from scoring points that your team will have to match.

TIP! Be sure to get lots of practice on layups. Since layups account for the majority of scoring in a game.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. It looks simple to do, but it isn’t that easy. Practice constantly using this tip. Start with the ball positioned right before your face. Keep looking towards the goal and think about the ball getting into that goal. Then shoot! Shoot the ball in the trajectory you imagined.

TIP! Perfect your bounce pass. If done properly, the pass will land near waist level with the opposite player.

It is important to keep your balance when you shoot. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique. This kind of improvisation is the result of years of practice and loads of ability. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! In order to help you improve your basketball acumen you should watch how the pros play. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV.

Work on being able to receive a pass. When you practice, be sure to do drills that improve catching wild throws and making great passes. During a hectic game, every throw is not going to be perfect. Be a better teammate by anticipating a bad pass to make sure it doesn’t get into the opponents hands.

TIP! Work on being able to receive a pass. Make sure you get used to catching less than perfect passes smoothly.

Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? You should try a back pass. To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Move the ball so that it is behind you. Then you will use your wrist and flip it in the direction you want the ball to be going. This should trick the opposing team.

TIP! There are passes that can confuse the other team momentarily. The back pass is perfect for this.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. For concentration purposes, it can be good to practice on your own. There’s still a lot that you can do playing on your own. Practice free throws and layups. You can always practice.

Core Muscles

TIP! Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Review tapes and keep up with scouting reports.

If you have a high school level basketball player for a kid, be sure their core muscles are properly trained. Core muscles include hips, abs and the lower back. The core muscles link lower and upper extremities. Without a strong core, they won’t have strong athletic performances. If your core is solid, you will have greater strength in your legs. This helps with fast running and high jumping.

TIP! If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Try practicing this by bouncing your ball hard in between your legs while stepping forward or backward.

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. Once you’re in the proper position, you’ll have to then secure your spot. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! Try practicing how to pass while looking in another direction. You can really confuse your opponents this way.

If you experience a basketball injury, don’t keep playing. This is an aggressive sport, and injuries happen often. Pushing through the pain often results in a more serious injury. Anytime you have a serious injury, you should seek medical attention.

TIP! Build a routine to improve your free throw game. If you’re consistent, your shots will be too.

Asking for feedback from coaches and teammates about your playing is important in order to become a stronger player. Is there something that you excel at? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. Find out what others perceive as your natural gifts and build upon those more completely.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls can work good if you wish to start handling the ball like you’re able to dribble in any situation.

Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Stepping your toe in a baseline with a ball in your grip will mean that you’re out of bounds. If you take too many steps and don’t dribble, then you are walking. If you move either foot while trying to pick, take a charge or set a screen, it will result in a called foul.

TIP! Dribbling hard helps you protect the ball. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you.

Work on making your forearms and hands stronger in order to improve ball handling. An exercise to help develop your basketball skills is to perform wrist curls. Do not make the mistake of thinking you can stay stationary, catch all the ball, and shoot them from that same location. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! Make it your goal to dribble the ball across the entire court in under 5 dribbles. Although this might seem tricky in the beginning, this can really help your game if you can master this skill.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. This causes the ball to return to your hand more quickly, so the offense has less time to try to get it away from you. If you have somebody guarding you very closely, pass the ball to an open teammate.

TIP! Using your weak hand to brush your teeth can help you build skills with that hand. If you’re able to become more ambidextrous, you are going to be able to better control it on the court.

Be sure your vision is unobstructed. Not to just be able to see the scoreboard, but to actually make a shot and catch a pass. Peripheral vision must be razor-honed. 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! Do not stop dribbling unless you’re going to shoot or pass. Standing there without dribbling takes away most of your options on offense.

Take charge when the opportunity presents itself. By taking a charge, your team will get the ball. This play can give your team a psychological boost, as well as demoralizing the other team.

TIP! Don’t just practice while static; try to move around while shifting your weight to learn how to best control the ball. Real game dribbling has a lot of variety.

To help practice three-point shooting you should practice shooting at the NBA distance. The standard line and college lines are much closer. Being able to shoot successfully from the NBA range will give you a great advantage.

TIP! You can place your off-hand out in front of you to serve as protection against the defense. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul.

Basketball appeals to all types of different people. Knowledge is the key to getting the most you can out of the sport. Refer to the information presented here to enhance your game in an ongoing manner.