TIP! While focusing on offense is fun, you must also make sure you focus on defense. Basketball games are won because of good defense.

Basketball is world wide passion. You can almost always find a playground game going. You might even make a career of it if you have enough time. Learn a little more about what basketball is all about by reading this article.

TIP! To get better in your basketball game, focus on your strengths. You might not become a big basketball star based on your strengths, but you will be an asset to your team.

It’s easy to focus on offense when learning to play, but your practice time would be better spent on defense. Defense is what keep the other team from scoring. Offense is flashier, so it draws the attention of fans and journalists, but a team that can’t defend well won’t win any games.

TIP! Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. With everyone watching, it can be easy to allow the pressure to interfere with your game.

Learn to correctly dribble the ball. Use fingertips to dribble. This way you’ll have a lot more control over the ball. Dribble the ball around the height of your waist, and over to one side. You should always be looking up instead of at the ground.

TIP! Don’t limit your practice to just playing against the zone defense. While you might see a zone defense mostly, a team can switch defenses to man-to-man quickly in order to confuse you.

Make sure you are looking forward and looking up as you’re dribbling. Looking at your ball when you dribble indicates that you haven’t practiced enough. The ball can go with you when you go anywhere. Whenever you are walking and it is appropriate, dribble there. Remember, if you are directly staring at the ball, there’s no way for you to see what’s happening on the court.

TIP! A good way to practice sound passing is to drill without dribbling. It is hard to play with no dribbling, but it will help your team make great passes.

Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. They are not doing it right. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.

TIP! In order to get a good shot, good footwork is essential when posting up. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent.

To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. Your talent might not make you a star; however, learning your strengths will help you become a better team player. Clear self knowledge and dedicated practice will make you the best at what you do.

Bounce Pass

TIP! Focus on your footwork and core strength when working out. Your body will maintain balance and move more quickly when your core muscles are strong.

You should learn the best way to throw a great bounce pass. A useful bounce pass will hit the receiving player at waist level. One good rule is for you to bounce the basketball most of the way toward the other player. There are, however, other factors that influence the pass.

TIP! If you experience a slump in your scoring and shooting, your shoulders may be the cause of the problem. If your shoulders are in a bad position, no matter how good you are, you won’t make the shot.

Spreading the fingers is something you have to do to handle the ball right. This makes sure that it does not escape away from your grip. Your palm should touch the ball as little as possible. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This may confuse your opponents, greatly.

It’s important to know where you have your feet and also what they’re doing. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court. The ball will be turned over on a walking call if too many steps are taken with no dribble action. Avoid lifting your feet when you are screening or in position for a charge or the foul will be called on you instead of your opponent.

TIP! Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. Failure to use consistency may make your shots less accurate.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. When done properly, this technique distracts the opposition and gives your pass recipient a chance to focus on the basket. This play can be very powerful.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. This will prepare you for unexpected passes and help you evade defenders.

When moving in for a layup, push off from your weaker foot and lead with your shooting hand. If you normally shoot using your right hand, jump with your left. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.

TIP! Basketball players need to engage in strength training. It’s important to have stamina and strength when playing basketball.

In order to be good at rebounding the ball off a missed free throw, you must be quick with your feet. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball. This allows you to secure the rebound without finding yourself penalized.

TIP! As the point guard approaches within 10 feet of the middle of the court, your guards should take action and create a 2-3 trap. They should then trap the point guard.

Use the NBA three point line when practicing your shots. All the other lines are closer. Learning how to shoot from the NBA three point line can help you get better looks at the basket.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. If you don’t bend your knees, you are more susceptible to having the ball stolen by the other team.

If you want to improve your outside shooting skills then you need to take hundreds of shots each day from all over the court. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot. Avoid looking at the basketball goal while dribbling the ball. You will increase your level of accuracy and create an experience closer to real game play.

TIP! Only stop dribbling if you want to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

Use the non-dribbling hand to create a buffer between the ball and your opposition. You don’t need to be shoving the opponents, but you’re able to keep them away by using the arm that isn’t dribbling as a separator. This move helps to keep the ball protected and you in control of it.

TIP! Diet is essential when it comes to playing ball. If you play all the time, you need to eat carbs on a regular basis.

The position you take just before and just after getting a rebound will play a large role in whether you can retain possession. Use both feet to jump with power and balance, and use both hands to grab the ball. Once you have the basketball, land with wide feet that will help you keep your balance.

TIP! When someone misses a corner shot, you can bet the ball bounces across the court. If this is the case, you need to guess where it will end up and catch the rebound as a result.

If you’re in possession of the ball, learn when you should be passing the ball to a player with a better shot and when you should be taking the shot yourself. It’s better to work with others to get a good shot than if you’re someone who ruins a game due to a poor shot.

TIP! You have to change the path of your opponent. This is an ability you need on both defense and offense, since you get to control where your opponent goes in either case.

Proper passing is key to a game. You can confuse the opposition with your passes. Players who don’t know how to pass or refuse to do so may be termed ‘ball hogs’. You will get the opportunity to use your skills as an individual player but do not neglect team work. Make sure everyone gets a chance to display their skills by passing the ball as much as you can.

TIP! If you’re sure that the person in possession of the ball isn’t good with one hand, try getting them to use it. For instance, you could step toward a player on their right side to force them to switch to their left hand.

Now you should know how to be a better basketball player. Practice often to gain the necessary skills and knowledge needed to play a good game. When you start to play, you should start doing so regularly. It’s time to shoot some hoops!