TIP! Make sure you learn how to shoot free throws. The execution of a free throw is not as simple as it may appear.

Are you struggling with understanding the rules of basketball, but you love watching it anyway? You are not alone in this. Plenty of people don’t know a lot about basketball. Read on to find out some pro tips that you can use.

TIP! If you hold the ball a lot, you have to learn crossovers. This term refers to switching the hand you use.

Practice your defense more than your offense. Basketball games are won because of good defense. While everyone focuses on shots made, a good defense can kill the chances of even an amazing shot taker.

TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team.

If you want to be a jump shooter, avoid pumping iron excessively. It’s important to be strong, but not too strong. Some pro shooting guards make their arms large enough to decrease their own field goal percentage.

TIP! Always work on your layups. This is the most popular shot in basketball.

If you’re on the offense, you footwork needs to be excellent to stay open for passes and shots. Getting a great position under the goal is the most important. After positioning yourself on the court, make sure that you are secure. Practicing your footwork is important to master these skills.

TIP! Free throws have a huge mental element to them. Of course, you can show your body how to make free throws.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. For example, you should know which of the players are left-handed and which are right-handed. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. A knowledgeable defender is a strong defender.

TIP! Remember to practice a lot of different possibilities so that you will not limit your game. Though much of the game is sure to be played within a zone pattern, the opposition may try to go man-to-man in order to confuse you.

When exercise, concentrate on perfecting footwork and strengthening your core muscles. With a stronger core, you’ll be able to balance better. Strengthen you back muscles along with abs, hips and buttocks. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

TIP! Want to make the other team not know what’s going on? Try doing a back pass! Use your dominant hand to palm the basketball. With that same hand, bring the ball around your back.

Quickness is something you have to have when playing basketball. Developing speed and vision is vital to playing the game well. To speed up the pace of your play, you need to keep practicing. But do not try to play faster than you are able. Playing beyond your speed can result in bad passes and excessive turnovers.

Free Throw

TIP! Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage.

Create and stick to a routine each time you prepare to shoot a free throw. This could mean two dribbles before taking your free throw, bending your knees, or some other thing you do to get into a rhythm before shooting. As long as this is a quick set of movements and it’s consistent, you won’t have any trouble having your body memorize what you’re doing.

TIP! If the opposing team is breathing down your neck, it’s a good idea to pass the ball between your legs. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction.

When you’re practicing passing, try to look the other way. This will make your actions very confusing to the other team. If you do this fake the right way, then the receiver of the pass should have an advantage and a great look at the goal. If you can master this move, it can really work in your favor.

TIP! If you want to make the most of your layup, push up from the foot that is opposite the hand you will shoot from. Practice shooting using your right hand, then jump off your left foot.

Being a successful defensive player means upsetting and disrupting your opponent’s play. Take them out of their own comfort zone. Make aggressive plays. Never allow them to decide what plays will be made. If you let them control the game, you will lose. You should make the initial move and throw them off.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Exercises that involve strengthening the wrist are especially helpful for dribbling.

Dribble hard if you don’t want the ball taken from you. This makes the ball go back to your hand quicker, so offense has reduced chances at taking it from you. If you are being guarded closely, halt your dribble and pass to an open teammate.

TIP! Never break your defensive stance as this will assure you are in your proper position for defense. Slide both feet side to side, or just push off using the opposite foot.

It may be the case that you liked basketball, but didn’t know much about it prior to this post. Now you are ready to stick a foot in and take on a game yourself. So get out there and start working on your game so you can put this advice to use.