The fundamentals of basketball are fairly easy to learn. You can learn the basics in several minutes. However, there is always more to learn if you want to be a better basketball player, and the following advice will help you get started.

When learning the game of basketball, it’s easy to get caught up in offensive play. But you should also give plenty of attention to defense. Victory requires the ability to play defense. Offense gets more attention, but the team is going to lose without a strong defense.

TIP! It’s natural to focus on offensive abilities when practicing the sport of basketball, but your practice time needs to focus on defense. You can win a game, thanks to good defense.

When dribbling, make sure that you look forward and keep your head up. Looking directly at the ball means you aren’t good at the game yet. Carry your basketball everywhere. You can practice dribbling when you have to walk to the store. By looking forward instead of at the basketball, you are able to see the happenings on the court.

Free Throw

Learn how to block out movement, noise and other distractions when taking a free throw. You must be mentally strong to be a consistent free throw shooter. Relax your mind and keep your concentration centered on the basket to make more of these freebies.

TIP! When dribbling, your head must be up, and you need to look forward. If you have to ever look at the ball while dribbling, then you haven’t practiced that enough.

Lifting weights too much can actually take away from your jump shot. It’s possible to have excessive muscles when you play the perimeter. If your arms are too big, your field goal percentage will go down.

You may get injured while practicing or playing. Don’t try to play if you are hurt. The sport of basketball is very physical, which makes one susceptible to injury. Trying to tough it out and keep playing, even if you are experiencing discomfort, can exacerbate an injury even more. If you are seriously injured, obtain medical care.

See if your teammates admire something in particular about your game play. You may have a certain skill that you have perfected. You could potentially be excellent in one area while you are busy focusing on another, unaware. See what others view as your own natural skills, then be sure you retain and develop them more.

TIP! Your balance is an important aspect to consider when you are shooting. Of course, pros may make baskets from a great distance while falling off the court, but this isn’t standard.

Knowing your opponent is the best way to play a tough defensive game. Follow the scouting reports and watch tapes of their games. Keep track of which players are right hand dominant and which are left hand dominant. Defense is more effective when you know what your opponent is likely to do. The strongest defenders are those who have information.

Pay attention closely to the shoulders if you’re starting to slump when you shoot. When your shoulders are positioned improperly, you will never make the basket regardless of how good your abilities are. Your shoulders need to be squared up towards where you’re shooting. If your right hand is your dominant hand, your right shoulder must be aligned with the rim. For left-handedness, the opposite is true.

Quickness is a blessing in basketball. Try playing faster than the opponents for a better advantage. You have to be steady as you play quickly. However, you should not attempt to play any faster than your abilities permit. If you push too hard, your performance may be haphazard, and the game may get out of control.

TIP! If you want to improve your basketball game, you must identify and intensify your strengths. You might not have star ability, but you can be an outstanding team player.

If you are being heavily guarded, a pass between your legs might help. This can be practiced by dribbling the ball as hard as you can between the legs while you step in either direction. If you manage to master this, you will have a tremendous advantage during games.

If you wish to shoot free throws better, you have to have a routine that’s consistent. If you aren’t consistent, you will find that your shooting is off. Repetition is an excellent way to improve your ability to make each free throw. Stick with a routine until you can perfect it. If you are off your game, you will not make the shot.

You might be a complete novice at basketball. Or have you been playing since a young child? Either way, the information here can help you improve your game. Use these tips when you are ready to play again.