TIP! Free throws require as much mental focus as physical skill. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game.

Basketball is an enjoyable sport that’s loved by many. That said, it isn’t easy to master. Basketball is a sport that anyone can have fun with. Continue reading to learn how to play the game to the best of your ability.

TIP! Frequently practice passing and catching the passes of others. Be sure to be able to catch off-target throws on top of good ones.

It is important to focus on both offense and defense when learning to play basketball. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball. If your team doesn’t have a good defense, you’re not going to make it far in a game.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? The back pass is perfect for this. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. A bounce pass that’s good is going to end up hitting the other player near their waist. It’s generally a good idea to pass the ball about three-fourths of the distance between you and the receiving teammate. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.

TIP! If you get injured while playing basketball, do not try to play through the pain. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. The majority of game play might take place in the zone, but that doesn’t mean that the opposing team will not try to catch you off guard. You might lose your control of the court if the other team use this technique, unless you are ready for this possibility.

TIP! Your defensive game will be more successful if you know your opponents. You should be look at scouting reports, practicing techniques and watch tapes.

Don’t play when you are injured! Basketball is very physical and there’s always a risk of injury. If you try to keep playing, you can hurt yourself worse. In case of serious injury, it is time to see a doctor.

Jumping Rope

TIP! Practicing with your weak hand will help to make you a better dribbler. Opponents are a lot easier to blow by when you can dribble with ease using both hands.

When you’re working out, concentrate on core strength building and your footwork. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Work out your hips, back and abdomen. Jumping rope is a favorite amongst professionals when practicing. By jumping rope, you improve speed and footwork.

TIP! Work on getting the ball down the length of a full court with five or fewer dribbles during drills. This initially seems undoable, but it helps build speed and stride.

If you find yourself unable to shoot well, consider your shoulders. If you have bad shoulder position it doesn’t matter how great you are the shot isn’t going to go in. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. 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! Take charges whenever possible. When you take a charge, you have the opportunity to get a defensive stop, your team gets the ball and an additional foul is set up against the other team.

Basketball players must be fast. You need to be faster than the opposing team if you want the advantage. Consistent, repetitive drilling is the key to speed. Do not try playing faster than you can. Playing beyond your own capabilities sends the game spinning past your ability to control it, and turnovers are bound to occur.

TIP! When you’re working with defense, staying low is a good idea. This allows you to jump faster and increases your reaction time should the person you’re covering do something.

If you wish to succeed in a defensive role, you must be able to break your opponents’ concentration. Do not allow your opponent to become comfortable with their style, or yours. Your defensive moves must be aggressive and executed properly. Don’t let your opponent decide their own plays. If you allow this to happen, your opponent will have the upper hand. Rather, move first; attack their rhythm.

TIP! Always bend the knees while dribbling. You will have a hard time controlling the ball if you always stand straight and opponents will be able to steal the ball.

To get a rebound of a free throw that one of your teammates is taking, you need to be sly with your feet. The more quickly you get under the basket, the better you chance of grabbing the rebound. You’ll be able to grab the rebound without fouling your opponent.

TIP! Try to practice a dribble while switching momentum from side to side. During game time, you’ll find yourself dribbling from all sorts of positions.

Try to keep the ball in your line of sight at all times. This means more than just being able to see well enough to play, but “seeing” the court deeply. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. If you watch the entire game instead of just focusing on the basketball, you will be able to see open teammates and oncoming defensive players.

TIP! Communication with your team mates is crucial to your overall success. Your actions and strategies must not be kept to yourself.

Are you prepared to give this your all? Utilizing the tips in this article can make you a better overall player. Get to work and get to playing! In no time at all, your skills we be noticeably stronger as a result of this advice.