TIP! Learn the best way to make your free throws. That’s a shot that appears simple but is actually difficult in reality.

Basketball is enjoyed by both genders. People of all races, creeds, colors, genders and ages enjoy basketball the world round. Develop your skills and share with your friends and teammates how much you have improved. Which ones? This article will teach you some great new moves!

TIP! It is important that you practice layups. In a typical game, up to four-fifths of all shots are layups.

It’s simple to want to work on offense when you’re getting into basketball, but it’s smarter to think about defense practice too. Basketball games are won with a good defense. Offensive skills are usually the most impressive ones but defense is something every team should work on.

TIP! Have your team mates critique your playing skills. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected.

Watch professionals play to learn from their techniques. Watch pro games on TV, or attend games in person. You will quickly notice all the different skills that they have which makes them a great player, then take what you learned and use it to help improve your own game.

Perfect Passes

TIP! If you’re shooting isn’t what you’d like it to be, make sure that your shoulders are in the correct position. When your shoulders are not properly positioned, then it is almost impossible to perform at your best.

Frequently train yourself on your pass catching moves. You need to be able to retrieve perfect passes and not so perfect passes. Some passes may be too high, too low or off target, so you should practice receiving passes often. Therefore, learn how to catch any type of pass so that you can help lead your team to victory.

TIP! Passing between your legs can be helpful when the other team is riding you hard. Practice this maneuver by bouncing the basketball between your legs while taking steps.

Play games against yourself in and out of season. There are times you may not find anyone to play with you. That is okay. There is much that can be accomplished when playing on your own. Work on your free throws or your pivot moves. There are many things you can work on.

TIP! Practice passing while looking the opposite direction. This throws your opponents off.

Figuring out the opponent is a great way to do well against a tight defense. Pay attention to how they play. Know the dominant hand of every player. Having a good understanding about your opponent strengths and weaknesses allows you to focus on how to better stop him. A smart defender is someone who is good at his position.

TIP! A solid routine is necessary for improvement in free throw shooting. A routine that is constantly in flux will only open up more opportunities for failure.

Build your core strength and focus on your legwork when you train for basketball. Your body will be more stable and easier to move when you have strength in your core muscles. You must work out your hip, back and abdomen muscles. Similar to boxers, jumping rope can better your speed and footwork.

Free Throw

TIP! Strengthen your hands and forearms for better ball handling. For example, you can improve dribbling skills by adding wrist curls to your routine.

Develop a routine to use every time you shoot a free throw. For example, many people touch their foreheads or tap their chest before making a free throw shot. If you make your routine consistent, your body will eventually know how to make the shot every time.

TIP! You want to strive in practice to bring the ball all the way up the court in no more than five dribbles. This seems an impossible feat when you start.

In order to perfect your layup shooting technique practice, take off with your left foot if you shoot with your right hand and vice versa. This means that when you’re shooting from your right hand you have to use your left foot to take off. This way you keep your body away from defenders, your momentum going in the direction of the basket and your body stays balanced.

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.

To help improve your ball handling skills, start incorporating your weak hand into your dribbling. Utilizing both hands to dribble the basketball and switching effortlessly is key to advantage over an opponent. Bind your dominant hand so you will be forced to make use of your weaker side. You will get new dribbling skills with your weak hand.

TIP! Use the hand you are not dribbling with to keep your defender away from the ball. You can’t push the person guarding you, but you can hold your arm out gently.

Once you are in your defensive stance, remember to hold your ground. Stay in the right position by pushing off of your opposite foot. Keep your body constantly facing toward your opponent in order to ensure the best possible defense.

TIP! A missed shot from the corner of the basketball court will usually go to the opposite side. This knowledge will help you get more rebounds.

You can now hit the court confident that you will be playing to the best of your abilities. You might even know more than your friends do now. Enjoy the game every time you play. Play anytime you get a chance and make having fun a priority, even though you should also look for ways to implement the strategies you just read.