TIP! Focus on your strengths to get better at basketball. The best talent you have isn’t going to have you starring in every highlight reel, but having a good skill set can benefit your team.

Even the greatest basketball players alive do not know absolutely everything there is to know about the game. Basketball constantly changes, so learning all about it will help you keep up. Do you want to dominate your opponents? The following article will give you some great advice to improve your game.

TIP! Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? The back pass is perfect for this. To properly perform this pass you will need to have the ball in your dominant hand.

It is easy to be focused on offense when you are learning how to play basketball, but you really should focus your practice on defense. Many times, defense actually wins the game. Offense is often what gets the glory, but most winning basketball teams play great defense.

TIP! When injuries occur on the court, it is unwise to keep on playing. It’s a challenging sport that’s very physical, and you have the ability to get injured.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your best talent may not make you the star of every game, but learning to play your best angle will help you contribute more to the team. Find you best position and then refine it until you are unbeatable.

TIP! Understanding the opponent is a good way to win with defense. Watch tapes of their games and see how others move on the court.

Want to trick the other team? Try using a back pass! To do a back pass, begin by grasping the basketball using your dominant hand. Then, move the ball so it is behind your back. Lastly, flick the wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. It can be a dangerous maneuver that catches the other team off guard.

TIP! When trying to improve your strength to have better basketball footwork, work on building up your core. By developing strong core muscles, you will be able to recover quickly and keep your balance.

Pay close attention to your shoulders if you’ve suddenly developed a shooting slump. You won’t be able to make a shot if your shoulders aren’t in the right position. Be sure to keep the shoulders squared up to the hoop. The dominant shoulder needs to be aligned correctly with the rim.

TIP! It is important to be aware of the location of your feet and just what they are up to. Out of bounds will happen with even one toe over the baseline of the lined play area on the court.

Be aware of your own actions and the position of your feet. Stepping even a toe on the baseline with the ball in your hands means you are out of bounds. If you travel without dribbling, you’re going to get yourself into a turnover situation. A foul will result if you try to take a charge or set a pick and your feet are moving.

TIP! Have a friend or family member videotape your games, then view the video to see the result. Can you see where you can improve your form? Are there things you might have done differently? Do not waste time criticizing yourself.

Look away when you practice passing. This trick can be used successfully to confuse defenders. When it’s done properly, it will cause the opponents to go to the wrong area so that you can pass to someone that has a good look at a basket before shooting. It’s a great play if done properly.

TIP! In order to be successful with layups, the foot that is opposite from shooting hand is the one you should take off from. So, if you shoot using your left hand, launch with your right foot.

If you want to dribble the basketball better, you need to practice dribbling with your weaker hand. If you’re using both hands to dribble the ball well then you can get by an opponent easily. Tie the main hand you use behind your back so that you have to use the weak hand. Eventually, your weak hand will be able to dribble well.

TIP! Stay on top of your footwork when attempting a rebound. Try to anticipate the move of the defender between yourself and the basket so that you can maneuver around him and to the hoop.

The key to great defense is being a nuisance to the player you are guarding. Force them to leave their comfort zone. Make aggressive plays. Don’t let them choose what plays to make. If you do so, then your rivals have the control. Try making the initial move and interrupt their rhythm.

TIP! Dribble hard to make it less likely for the ball to be stolen. Dribbling fast allows you to keep better control of the ball and there is a slimmer chance of it being stolen from you.

Good footwork will help you get rebounds off your teammates’ foul shots. As you see the defender moving in, quickly slip around to grab the ball. In this way you can get the rebound without a foul.

TIP! A good drill to try is the five dribble drill. You try to get the ball the entire length of the court in only five dribbles.

Whenever possible, take advantage of an attack. A charge leads to a turnover by the opposing team and gives you the ball back. This does great harm to an opponent’s psyche, and is a truly powerful play.

TIP! If you want to build the dexterity of your weaker hand, start using it for everyday tasks like shining your shoes or opening doors. If you can become more dexterous with it in all aspects of your life, you will be bettering your control of it.

Hopefully you now feel more confident about taking the court after reading these helpful tips. You need all the information you can get to get and stay on top. Practice daily and continue learning. Keep these tips in mind and take your skills to a whole new level.