Basketball is a beloved sport worldwide. You can play at your local park or in your driveway. Read this article to learn more about the sport of basketball.

TIP! Want to become a better basketball player? Watch the pros! Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

It is tempting to concentrate just on offense when just staring out, but defensive practice is absolutely vital. Defense ultimately determines the winner of a game of basketball. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

TIP! Work on pass catches. When you practice, mix it up so that you can catch perfect passes and errant throws.

Dribble while keeping your head upward and looking ahead. If you have to keep your eye on the ball when you’re dribbling, practice can remedy that. Take the basketball to all the places that you go. If you are heading down to the market, dribble as you go. If you have to watch the ball, you will be unable to see whatever is going on at court level.

TIP! You can learn how to pass well by drilling on it separately from dribbling. Playing the game without the use of dribbling is a challenge, but it can help you and your team learn to make more precise passes.

Crossovers are key for ball handlers. This term refers to switching the hand you use. That action has to be done fast to be successful. A good crossover dribble can give you the opportunity to switch directions and progress on the court much faster.

TIP! Interested in tricking your opponents? Try using a back pass! To do this pass, hold on to the ball with your dominant hand. Move the ball so that it is behind you.

A bounce pass is essential to learn. Proper bounce passes ought to hit the recipient at the level of their waist. Try bouncing it about three-quarters to them. There can be other factors in play to keep in mind, as well.

TIP! If you have student that wants to play basketball for their high school team, they will need to spend some time training their core muscles. Focus on hips, lower back and abs.

Don’t spend all your time practicing how to confront a zone defense. While a great portion of a game will be concentrated in the zone, your rivals could opt to go to man-to-man covering to keep you guessing. If you haven’t prepared yourself for that, you might lose your game very quickly.

TIP! A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. Passes and turnovers won’t take you by surprise because you will be more aware of what is happening on the court.

Would you like to completely fool the opposing team, making them look silly? Try doing what is known as a back pass. Use the dominant hand to hold onto the basketball when trying this pass. Then, bring the ball back behind you. Then you will use your wrist and flip it in the direction you want the ball to be going. This should should thoroughly fool your opponent.

TIP! Have a friend or family member tape your games so you can view how you appear on the court. You’ll likely see ways that you can improve.

If you’ve developed somewhat of a shooting slump, focus on your shoulders. Regardless of your skill level, if you don’t have your shoulders positioned correctly, you will miss. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. The dominant shoulder needs to be lined up with the rim.

TIP! Look away when you practice passing. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders.

If an opponent is staying with you, try passing the ball between your legs. Practice bouncing the basketball forcefully between your legs while stepping forwards and backwards. If you get this down, you will have a major advantage on the court.

Free Throws

TIP! To play good defense, you have to upset and disrupt your opponent. Make them uncomfortable.

You must have a consistent practice routine if you want to learn to shoot free throws well. If you stay inconsistent, you miss a shot. A great way to get better at free throws is to practice, practice and then practice the same routine some more. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

TIP! Good footwork can really help you to get those rebounds. The defender may be coming toward you, so its important to slip away from him and get the ball.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. By being able to easily dribble with two hands rather than one, you have a huge advantage over your defenders. Make an effort to dribble with your weak hand by keeping your dominant hand away from the front. Your dribbling skills will improve with your weaker hand.

TIP! Be certain you are able to see well. Vision is an integral part of making shots and catching passes.

A good way to develop ball handling skills is to make your forearms and hands stronger. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. You will not be able to stand in one place and shoot. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! Don’t break out of defensive stance always remain in the proper defensive position. To move, just slide from back and forth with your feet, or use a foot to push off, keeping your stance all the time.

Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. The harder you dribble, the faster the ball will return to the cup of you hand. If someone is close to you and is really good at guarding you, pass to another person that’s open.

TIP! Mix things up offensively to keep the other team’s defense off-balance. As you run towards the net, plant your front foot and begin to straighten up.

After reading this article, you should better understand how to play basketball effectively. It isn’t hard, but does take some effort. Once you start playing you probably will start to do so regularly. Have fun and play basketball.