TIP! Practice your defense more than your offense. Defense is what stands between you and a win.

Basketball has always been a loved sport, and so while the game is a competition, it is also fun. If you wish to be better, you must practice. You will gain irreplaceable knowledge by reading this article so keep on reading.

TIP! Dribble the ball the right way. When you dribble, only use your fingertips instead of your palms.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense may be splashier, but lacking a solid defense, any team is sure to lose.

TIP! Crossing over is a vital skill to have for handling the basketball. Moving the ball from hand to hand is a crossover.

Try learning how to hit free throw shots. This seemingly simple shot can be difficult to execute under game conditions. Practice often using the following technique. First, hold the ball just above your nose, about 8 inches from your face. Picture yourself going through the shot in your mind, with the ball sinking through the net. Then repeat that when you take the shot.

TIP! A good way to improve team passing to use a no dribbling drill, that is to play the game without dribbling at all. It is quite challenging to play the game without dribbling, but it does make sure you and your teammates make accurate passes.

Learn to crossover if you get the ball often. A crossover is when you move the ball from one hand to the other. The action must be very swift if it is to be successful. By having the ability to move either way quickly, you will become a better all-around player.

TIP! What do your teammates admire about your skills? Do they feel you are really good at something? You may be quick with your footwork or are always there for backing them up. Develop your strengths even further and look for ways to improve your weaknesses.

Focus on your strong point to help you become a better ball player. If you can rely on your strengths, you will become a better player. Focus on the skills you have and work to make them better.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This helps you become aware of the court and lowers chances for surprises from turnovers and quick passes.

Teach yourself to throw bounce passes correctly. It needs to get to the player at their waist. If it helps to measure it out, consider aiming for a mark on the floor about three-fourths of the way between you and your teammate. At the same time, take into account any other extraneous factors that may affect the pass.

TIP! Keeping your fingers spread wide is important for holding onto the ball. This will help you keep a better grip on the ball.

Connecting on your free throws is as much mental as it is physical. It’s easy to physically train for a free throw, yet mental preparation is also needed. Relax and focus on your shot, and you can make it.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Are you able to see what you’ve missed or things that you could improve on? Appraise your performance honestly but don’t be overly harsh with yourself.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. While muscle strength is good to have in any basketball position, it is possible to have too much for perimeter play. Overdeveloped muscles could actually interfere with your score percentage.

TIP! Do your free throw shooting the same way every time. That could include a set number of dribbles, knee-bends or some other type of movement.

Do you want to fool the other team? The back pass is perfect for this. To work it, place the ball in your most dominant hand. Then, put the ball around your back. Quickly flick with your wrist in the direction you want to pass the ball. It is an effective means of confusing your opponents.

Playing Basketball

TIP! Get into a consistent routine to improve your free throw shots. If you aren’t able to be consistent then you’ll be off when you shoot.

If you’re injured when playing basketball, don’t push through the pain. It’s easy to be hurt when playing basketball. By “playing through the pain” you take a huge risk that the injury will become much worse. Serious injuries may require medical attention.

TIP! To dribble the ball better, it is important that you practice dribbling with the hand that’s weaker. If both hands are useful for dribbling, your opponents will not stand much of a chance.

A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. Inconsistent shooting will lead to inconsistent results. The best way to perfect your free throw shooting technique is through repetition by practicing the same routine over and over again. If the routine is off in any way, then you’ll miss the shot.

TIP! When you are on defense, make sure to keep yourself low. You will be able to react more quickly and jump higher because of this.

Your enjoyment will increase the more you know about playing basketball. Don’t stop with this article, keep looking for more information that will help to enhance your skill set. Take what you need and leave the rest. Practice diligently to improve your game.