TIP! A lot of novice players mostly focus on their offensive skills, but developing good defensive skills will help you become a better player. Basketball games are won with a good defense.

No one will try to fix a problem with their car’s engine without researching how it is done right. Why would someone think they could be great at basketball if they didn’t do some research first? This article will teach you the basics so you can get up to speed on the game of basketball.

TIP! Even professional basketball players spend a lot of time watching other people play basketball. You can do this by watching games in person and on television.

You should practice your crossovers a lot. Crossovers involve sending the basketball from one of your hands over to the other one. You need to perform crossovers very quickly to get good results. Once you have learned how to do a crossover, you can travel down the court quickly.

TIP! Practice your passes and catches frequently. You want to practice catching perfect passes and bad passes.

If you’re going to be a jump shooter, don’t lift too many weights. Muscle strength is beneficial for playing any basketball position, but there is such a thing as too much. As a shooting guard, having bulky arm muscles can actually reduce the number of successful shots.

TIP! Do you want to fool the other team? Try the back pass. Perform this pass by holding the ball using your dominant hand.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Being tough is one thing, but playing through injury can only harm you even further and make the problem much worse. Seek medical advice immediately if you have more than a minor muscle strain.

TIP! Ask your teammates what they like about how you play. What areas are your strong points? They may say that you are a great team defender or are always playing with excellent speed.

A smart tip to follow while playing basketball is to always keep your eye on the ball and not away from the play. This will help you stay on top of quick changes in possession or plays attempted by your opponent. Keep an eye open for easy shots.

TIP! To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This way, you won’t lose the ball when holding it.

To properly handle the ball, you have to spread your fingers out. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball. Also, keep your palm off the ball. Your fingers must be the only things contacting it when you shoot or pass the ball at the target.

TIP! When your shooting isn’t accurate, check out your shoulder position. If they’re in a poor position, no matter your skill level, you will be unable to make the shot.

Boost your defensive abilities by studying the opposing team and its players. Study video tape on your opponent and read over any scouting reports. Also know which is their dominant and weak hands. The more you understand what you are up against, the more likely you are to develop an effective strategy during games. A smart defensive player is a strong one.

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. Wrist curls work well at helping you handle the ball.

Practice passing while looking in other directions. This throws your opponents off. 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. This play can be very powerful.

TIP! Playing basketball well means developing good court “eyesight.” While it will allow you to catch passes and read the score, there is more to it than that.

Improve your ball-handling by strengthening your hands and your forearms. Wrist curls are especially effective at making you better able to handle a basketball like you could dribble sleepwalking. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. You have to learn to move the ball if you want something to happen.

TIP! Take a charge if you can. This strategy can result in your opponent taking a foul and your team getting a defensive stop and taking possession of the ball.

Be sure that you’re able to see clearly. This will enable you to make good shots as well as catching passes that come your way. Working to improve you peripheral vision will help you become a more successful player. This will help you see the whole game better and anticipate openings and defense players.

TIP! Varying your pace and direction keeps the offense off guard. When you’re going towards the net you should plant the foot in front and start straightening up.

Switch the weight of your body while you are dribbling. This will have you ready for a game, when you will need to move any direction on a moment’s notice. It is likely that you will be fending off two or more players from the opposing team. You must know how to dribble the ball no matter what your body is doing. By nailing this skill, you have a better chance to avoid a turnover.

TIP! To enhance your skills at shooting the ball from the outside, run drills every day from different locations on the court. You can get even better if you practice dribbling and pulling up quickly for a shot.

Basketball is similar to fixing a car alone where you have an unmatched sense of pride. Learning what you need to better your game is the icing on the cake. This can help you and your team score more.