TIP! Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. A lot of the game is sure to be played in the zone, but your opponent could change to man-to-man coverage.

With so many fans around the world showing their love for the game, it is clear that basketball is one of the most popular sports. The more you know about the sport, the more enjoyment you’ll get out of watching or playing it. This article below can help with that.

TIP! To make sure there are no errant passes, use hand signals. It can be frustrating to attempt to pass the ball to a team mate as that person is heading toward the basket.

Your mind plays as big a part in making a free throw as your actual body does. It is possible to practice the physical movements needed to make such a shot, but when your mental focus is lacking, you are likely to miss. Relax yourself and focus on the hoop.

TIP! When exercising, concentrate on building up core strength and improving your footwork. When your core is strengthened, you will have more balance and be able to move more swiftly.

Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. Usually, a big part of the game is probably going to be in zone; however, the opposing team can suddenly switch to man-to-man to catch you off guard. Be sure to practice for this eventuality so you will not become rattled and lose the game.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? You can use this information to improve your game.

Play a good defense by knowing your opponent. Watch taped games, and keep current with scouting reports. See if you can determine each players strong and weak sides. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. Knowledge is power, even in basketball.

TIP! Between the leg passes are usually helpful when another team’s players are riding you hard. Take a step back or forward and bounce the ball hard through your legs.

As you exercise to improve your game, it is important to work on your footwork and strength. Your balance will improve if you strengthen your core. Your muscles in your buttocks, hips, abdomen, and back should be worked. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! You need to practice dribbling with your weak hand in order to be a more effective player. Being able to effortlessly dribble with both hands gives you the ability to run both sides on an opponent and keep them off guard.

It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. If you have the ball and you step outside the baseline, then you’re out of bounds. Taking too many steps without dribbling means a walking call and another turnover situation. Also, moving a foot when setting up a screen can result in a foul.

TIP! A good player on defense will annoy the heck out of the opponent and cause the other team to get flustered. Force them away from their comfort zone.

Practice looking the other way when passing. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. This will give the person that you passed the ball to a chance to make their move before your opponent can correct from their mix up. It can be quite powerful.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Wrist curls can be effective at helping you to control the ball as if you’ll be dribbling in your sleep.

To improve your dribbling skills, 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. Immobilize your dominant hand by tying it behind your back, then practice using your other hand for everything. Eventually, your weak hand will be trained to dribble properly.

TIP! To get the rebound from the free throw your teammate is making, you need to do some fancy footwork. Your defender will move towards you, so figure out how to slither past him and grab the ball.

Make sure that you can see clearly. This is so that you’re able to catch passes, get shots in, and look at the scoreboard. Your peripheral vision should be up to par. 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! You need good vision if you are going to play basketball. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

If you wish to shoot on the outside better you should work on shooting hundreds of times every day from a lot of places on the court. Practice dribbling and quick shots. Focus on the target when airborne, but never before. Doing so allows you to move more precisely and with greater accuracy.

TIP! Accept a charge when you can. A charge can help you take the ball and perhaps set up a foul against the other team.

Try to contain the action to the area below your knees. Defenders will have a more difficult time stealing the ball. You will need to bend somewhat for this to happen, but it’ll allow you to move quickly down the court as you ward off your opponents.

TIP! Change up your pace so that you are not predictable to the offense. Sprint towards the hoop then quickly plant your foot, then straighten up.

Use the non-dribbling hand to create a buffer between the ball and your opposition. Don’t push your opponent because that is a foul; however, you can use your arm as separator between your opponent and the ball. Just make sure it is kept slightly up while you use the other hand to dribble.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. Once you stop dribbling, you are extremely limited in your options.

If someone shoots from the corner of the basketball court and misses, it will bounce over the net onto the opposite side. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.

TIP! Use whatever hand you aren’t dribbling with as a shield between the ball and your opponent. Be careful not to push your opponent or you may get a foul.

The thrills and excitement that basketball hold for legions of fans worldwide is tough to match. Without proper understanding, though, it is easy to get lost. We hope that this article has given you the things you need to know if you’re trying to understand the game of basketball.