TIP! You can easily focus on offense when learning to play basketball, however, you must really focus how playing defense. Defense is essential to winning these games.

Basketball is a great game for men, women and children. Almost anyone can get in the game if they want to. Bring your loved ones together and show off what you’ve learned. Which new moves can you learn? Read this article to learn more about basketball.

TIP! One of the most important skills when playing basketball is balance. You’ve seen the pros fall out-of-bounds and shoot a basket up to 300 feet away, however, this isn’t proper technique.

Know how to dribble the ball in the correct way. Proper dribbling technique involves use of the fingertips, not the palm of the hand. This allows you to control the ball much better while you dribble. Dribble off to the side waist high. Don’t look at the ground, always keep your eyes focused forward.

TIP! To be a better basketball player you should concentrate on the things that make you great. You may not be the star player, but by contributing the best way you can you will win more games.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. If you are looking at the ball for any reason while dribbling, you have not put in enough practice. You can practice dribbling almost anywhere. Dribble the ball when you’re walking to the shops. If you look your ball, you can’t see the court.

TIP! Free throws are as much mental as they are physical. You are able to train your hands and legs to free throw well, but if you think you will fail, you will.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. 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. These are not practiced skills, they are just flukes. When you shoot, you should always be properly balanced, which will help you make more baskets more consistently.

Bounce Pass

TIP! If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards.

Learn how a bounce pass is thrown. In order for a bounce pass to be sufficient, the person should receive the ball around their waist. Letting the ball bounce close to the other person will help the accuracy of your pass. Many other factors will affect it, too.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. Doing this is a great way to confuse your opponents.

A great way to bolster your basketball ability is to observe those who are considered to be the best in the sport. Go to professional games in person and/or watch them online or on TV. Every player has a skill that allows him to succeed. Practice their moves to become better.

TIP! Upset and disrupt your opponent’s play. All successful basketball players do this.

If you’re a jump shooter, don’t lift weights too often. Muscle flexibility is more important than muscle mass. You might see a decrease in your goal percentages if your biceps become too large.

TIP! A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles.

Do not wait for any special season to play some basketball. Many times you are unable to find people to play with. Don’t worry! There is still much you can accomplish playing alone. Maybe work on those free throws or practice your pivoting. You don’t need other players to work on your skills.

TIP! Make sure that you can see clearly. You don’t just want to be able to pass and shoot well.

If you have a child that is strength training for basketball, their core muscles should be properly developed. The concept encompasses the abdominal muscles, the hips and the lower back. A good core leads to a solid foundation and that is required to be very good at basketball. A strong, sturdy core allows force from the legs to fuel movements like running and jumping.

TIP! Here is how you can change a normal two-three zone to become a trapping machine. You will need for the top two guards to wait until the time when the point guard is approximately 10 feet beyond the midcourt.

Talk to your teammates and find out what they like about your game. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed. Honest feedback can really help you to narrow in on areas where you might need a little extra help practicing.

TIP! When you dribble, bend your knees. Standing while dribbling will make it much easier for the opponent to steal the ball from you.

If you’re looking to be the best defensive player that you can be, you’ll want to know your opponent. One great way to get a better understanding of your opponent is to take the time to watch film and get information from other players or scouts. Learn which of the opposing players are left-dominant and which are right-dominant. Studying your opponent is one of the best ways to be able to win the game. The more knowledgeable a defender is, the stronger he is.

TIP! Don’t discontinue dribbling until you have the chance to shoot or pass. When you stop dribbling the ball, you only have a limited amount of plays you can perform.

If you slump when you shoot, look at what your shoulders are doing. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. Your shooting arm’s shoulder also needs to be exactly lined up with the rim.

TIP! Keep dribbling when you’re going to switch the body’s momentum from side to side. You will dribble during different situations.

To generate consistency with layups, leap from the opposite foot from the hand you use to shoot. If you use your right hand to shoot, use your left foot to take off. This will allow you to be more balanced while moving closer to the basket while keeping your body between the defender and you.

TIP! Work on taking shots from various on-court locations. Work on your grip and balance first.

Now that you know how to play, you can be confident when you play. Now you may even have a few pointers that people you know didn’t even have in mind. Just keep the game fun. Either way, it’s exciting to win.