TIP! Free throw practice is vitally important. These shots may seem easy, but they can be quite difficult.

Basketball is a great game where there is always something new. There have been lots of changes to the game over the years, and being up to date on everything is key. Do you want to beat your opponents more frequently? Read on to find out how to get the edge on the competition.

TIP! Balance is essential to shooting. Many the professional player can be seen slipping out of bounds or making baskets from far away, but these are not proper techniques.

It’s natural to be drawn towards offense as a novice, but the pros know defense is where the game is won or lost. In the end, it’s defense that consistently wins you games. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

TIP! If you want to improve your game, concentrate on your strengths. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor.

Make sure you are dribbling the right way. Instead of using your palm to dribble focus on using your fingertips. This will give you better control of the basketball. Dribble along the side of the body, not immediately in front of it, and keep the bounce to the waist level or below. Never look at the ground. Always look up.

TIP! Do not practice solely against zone defense. Always try to anticipate when your opponent is going to switch up their game to catch you off guard.

Start out with proper balance before attempting to take a shot. You have seen some crazy shots made by professionals, but these shots aren’t going to be based on fundamentals. They improvise to do that. Having a good foundation under you while shooting will always yield better results over time as you keep on practicing and honing your skills.

TIP! Playing basketball does not require excessive muscle development. While muscle mass is good for any basketball position, perimeter play requires less than other positions.

To improve your game, concentrate on your strong points. Your skills might not make you an all-start every time out, but playing up your strengths makes you a great contributor. Know the things you’re great at and keep practicing until there is no one better than you.

Bounce Pass

TIP! It can help you when you pass through your legs. Practice this by bouncing the ball hard between your legs as you take a step forward or back.

Get educated on the way to properly pass the ball on a bounce. Executed properly, a bounce pass will connect with the receiving player at the waist. It’s best to bounce the basketball about 75 percent of the way towards your teammate. Practicing your bounce pass is important so that you can use it skillfully during games.

TIP! Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This can go a long way toward confusing the opposition.

You can improve your skills by paying attention to how the pros play. Go to as many pro games as possible, watch them on TV, or watch videos of them playing. Every truly great player has unique skills that you can learn from.

TIP! You need to work on your forearms and your hands to handle the ball more efficiently. Do some wrist curls as much as possible and your dribbling should get better.

Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. Always dribble the same way, or with the same movements. Don’t dilly dally, but do complete your ritual.

TIP! To nab a rebound from a free throw attempt of a teammate, footwork is key. The defender below you will be moving toward you, so find a way to slip around him and get to the ball.

Practice passing while looking in the opposite direction. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. When done right, the look draws your opponents to the wrong locale so that the person you passed to has a good long look at the basket before shooting. It can be quite powerful.

TIP! Try to get the basketball from one side of the court to the other in about five dribbles. This can seem impossible, but if you do it, you’ll get incredible speed and length.

Your forearms and hands should be strengthened in order for you to handle the ball better. Wrist curls can be great for honing ball handling skills. Don’t think you can just go somewhere on the court, catch a ball and then make a successful shot. While this does happen on occasion, you should be moving in order to execute the play.

TIP! Keep changing up your pace to help keep your opponents on their toes. When you approach the goal, put your front foot in firm place and start straightening up.

Take charges whenever you have the opportunity. Taking charges gives you a chance for earning a defensive stop, gives your team the ball, and gives one more foul called in your favor. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! If you wish to shoot on the outside better you should work on shooting hundreds of times every day from a lot of places on the court. Try to practice a hard dribble followed by a quick shot.

One of the best ways to always be in proper defensive position is to never break out of the defensive stance. Slide your feet to the sides or push off using the opposite foot to always be in position. Always keep your feet from crossing, and you will make it hard for any opponent to get past.

TIP! Dribble the ball below knee level. In this way, opposing team members will have difficulty stealing the ball.

Alternating your pace is critical to keeping the defense guessing. Try to block the net by planting your foot hard. Your defender will likely think you are taking a shot or passing, and straighten up as well. Use this opportunity to sprint past your opponent.

TIP! The easiest way to do well at basketball is to speak with the team to see what everyone is up to. Basketball is not an individual sport.

Basketball players can greatly benefit from strength training. It is impossible to succeed if you lack endurance and strength. Younger kids can benefit from boosting their arm and leg strength with proper exercise. As they grow a bit older, they can add free weights to their strengthening routine. Then they will be ready to really learn the skills that really make an excellent player.

TIP! One way to misdirect your opponent is to dribble in a rhythm, then break that rhythm. You can surprise the opponent by changing up your dribbling.

Hopefully, you are more confident with your basketball skill after reading the above tips. These techniques will help improve your game. Don’t quit learning about basketball, and always keep practicing. Apply what you have learned here and your game will be improved in no time.