For a long time, people of all ages have enjoyed basketball. However, many people don’t know all the ins and outs. This article should be of help to fans and players of all skill and dedication level.

Many people forget that defense is as important as offense during practice. Basketball games are won because of good defense. Offense gets all the praise and attention, but without a good defense, any basketball team is destined to lose.

TIP! Be sure to dribble correctly every time. Don’t use your palm, use your fingers.

You need good balance when you shoot. Even though a professional can hit all sorts of crazy off-balance shots, it is not the ideal method of shooting that you want to learn. Professional basketball players tend to improvise when need be. You should have proper balance when making your shots, and over time this will lead to consistently making baskets.

If you want to improve your game, play up your strengths. Your strengths might not make you a star player, but you’ll be contributing a lot to your team. Know what you are good at, then practice it until you’re absolutely perfect at it!

Make sure to practice your layups whenever possible. Layups account for up to 80 percent of the shots taken during a game. When practicing it is important to run at full speed toward the goal, then jump and shoot smoothly. Knowing how to run and jump quickly and smoothly will assist you in knowing how to leap and shoot more effectively while playing.

TIP! Keep your head up when you dribble. You haven’t practiced enough if you keep looking at the basketball while you’re dribbling.

When developing your jumping skills, limit your use of weight-training. You do need muscle conditioning and strength, but you can have too much when it comes to shooting field goals. Shooting guards that end up with bulked up arms sometimes find that it affects field goal percentages.

Would you like to pull one over on your opponents? The back pass is perfect for this. If you wish to try this pass, get the ball in your dominant hand. Then, put the ball around your back. Pass the ball from behind your back by flicking your wrist in the direction you want the ball to go. This should help to trick the other team.

In order to get a good shot, you must use good footwork. You must be certain to get the good spot ahead of your opponent. Once you have gotten into position, secure your spot. Expert footwork is the key to these skills.

TIP! Perfect your bounce pass. Bouncing the pass to the receiver should be at their waist.

Whenever you work out, practice footwork and work on your core strength. Your body will naturally balance well if you have strong core muscles. Work your ab, back, hip and buttocks muscles. You will improve your speed and footwork if you jump rope like boxers do.

If you have someone who can tape your game, you can view the recording to see how well you performed on the court. This way, you have the opportunity to go through your play at a later time and see your mistakes. Do not waste time criticizing yourself. Just make an honest assessment. You can learn a lot by watching your plays instead of just trying to remember what you did.

To get more out of layups, take off using the foot that;s the opposite of your shooting hand. Use your left foot when shooting with the right hand. This keeps your body balanced and moving toward the basket and keeps your body between yourself and your defender.

Free Throw

Build a routine to improve your free throw game. Your shot could be off if you are inconsistent. Practicing your free throw again and again is the only way to perfect it. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

As soon as the ball leaves your teammate’s hands after a free throw, start moving into position. Guards will be attempting to stop you, so get around them. Now you can achieve a proper rebound and not commit a foul.

TIP! Make sure, no matter what else happens, you can see where the ball is. This can help you to avoid surprises by fast passes, help you keep an eye on the rest of the court, and allow you to spot potential turnovers.

Take every charge you can. This play gets your team possession of the ball and a foul against your opponent. This may lower the other team’s morale, and it gives you a chance to take the offensive when play resumes.

In order to help develop your non-dominant hand, you should use that hand only when trying to open things, and also when brushing your teeth. The more dextrous you become with it in your daily life, the better able you will be to control it. As a result, your basketball game will significantly improve.

Shoot from every point on the court thousands of times a day to get better. Become better and better by practicing your fast dribble then stopping abruptly to make a shot. When you are in the air, take a gander at the target. Don’t do it prior to this point. This will help improve your accuracy during a game.

Double Dribbling

Double dribbling is a major rule, and something that must always be avoided. When you stop dribbling and then begin again is double dribbling. Once you stop dribbling, you choices are to either shoot or pass the ball. You can’t just start dribbling again. This is called a turnover, and you’ll lose the ball immediately to your opponent.

Basketball has been around for a very long time and has been a favorite of all sorts of people. Knowledge is the key to skill and enjoyment of the game. Utilize the techniques discussed in this article to help you better understand the game.