TIP! Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. While some NBA players are able to launch a ball to the net mid-fall, this is not appropriate for most people.

It’s easy to see why millions of people adore basketball. Playing it well, however, requires practice and skill. Regardless of whether you are the best or not, you can still have fun playing basketball. Continue to read and learn more about basketball.

TIP! Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? The back pass is just the thing! Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. Next, pull the ball behind your back.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Basketball games are won more often by defense than offense. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

TIP! One of the keys to becoming a great basketball player is developing core muscles. That means their hips, lower back and abs.

Correct dribbling is key. Don’t use your palm to dribble, but use your fingertips instead. This method gives you much more control of the ball. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Keep your head up, do not stare down towards the ground.

Bounce Pass

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. Basketball is physically demanding, and it is easy to get hurt.

You have to know how to bounce pass properly. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. A good estimation is to target the ball to bounce at about 3/4 of the distance that the receiving player is. But, a series of other considerations can require you to make adjustments.

TIP! One great thing to do if you wish to be prepared while playing is to make sure your back isn’t turned to the ball. 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.

Good footwork is essential to escaping coverage and putting yourself in position to take a shot when you are posting up. You always want to beat your opponent to the open spot. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. These skills require solid footwork.

TIP! If you want to correctly handle the ball, you need to know where to place your fingers. This will keep the ball from getting away while you hold it.

Study you opponent well to give yourself an edge. Watch replays and follow scouting reports. Find out who are the right-handed or left-handed players. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. Smart defenders are good defenders.

TIP! You must know your opponent in order to be tough on defense. Watch games if you can and look at their tendencies.

If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When you’re in a shooting slump it usually means that your shoulders are not square to the hoop. Be sure that your shoulders square up in front of 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! As you perform your fitness routine, make it a point to target your core and your footwork. When you have strong core muscles, your body will be better balanced and will move faster.

Quickness is something that’s desired in basketball. You’ll have an advantage if you’re faster than an opponent. Playing fast requires steady drilling. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. It’s easy to lose control when you play fast.

Free Throw

TIP! Be aware of what your feet are doing and where they are. Placing even a single toe atop the baseline while holding the ball will result in you being ruled out of bounds.

Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you’re not consistent you’ll find yourself missing free throws. If you want to perfect free throw shooting, pick a routine and repeat it continuously. If your routine is off, then you will miss the shot.

TIP! In order to become better at dribbling the ball you should learn how to practice using your weak hand. When you are ambidextrous, you’ll be a better player.

Practice dribbling with your weak hand as much as possible. Using both hands to dribble makes you a more effective player, especially when you’re trying to get past your opponent. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. This will help you use that hand more easily and improve your dribbling with that hand.

TIP! You can prevent other players from stealing the ball from you by dribbling hard. A good hard dribble brings the ball back to you much faster, leaving less time for the opponent to steal it from you.

Is it time to let others know how good you are? Well, perhaps you would like to practice first. Get yourself pumped up and mentally psyched, then step onto the court and do it! The skills you work on will improve in no time.